The City of Columbus, Department of Finance and Management, Grants Management Section is holding a public meeting to present the status of the 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan identifies projects and establishes budgets for the City’s HUD grant programs, and summarizes annual efforts for consultation, citizen participation, and anticipated outcomes.

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget for HUD has been enacted. The City's 2026 allocations from the Office of Community Planning and Development's (CPD) formula programs are as follows:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): $7,498,472

• HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): $4,395,313.60

• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA): $2,739,753

• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $661,582

A draft 2026 Annual Action Plan will be presented and provided at the meeting. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment. The draft will also be available on the Grants Management webpage for public comment for 30 days following the meeting: columbus.gov/grants-management. A recording of the meeting will be available on the webpage, as well.

Meeting Details:

• When: June 2nd at 4PM

• Where: 141 N. Front Street, ground level conference room

• Parking: The 141 N. Front Street building is a City parking garage. Parking for attendees is available for free in the garage. Let the security attendant know you’re here for a City meeting in the garage conference room and they will let you through the gate. Additional parking details can be found in the attached document.

Please note that 2026 CDBG funding awards will not yet be awarded at the time of the meeting.

Questions and requests for accommodations will be happily received at grantsmgmt@columbus.gov. Please ensure requests for accommodations are made in advance of the meeting so that we may best assist you.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Huckleberry House is proud to announce its 2026 Sleep Out, its signature community awareness and fundraising event, in partnership with First Congregational Church, UCC, Columbus, through its Unsheltered Ministry. Taking place on Friday, May 29 on the church grounds located at 444 East Broad Street in downtown Columbus, Sleep Out centers on the theme, “We Are Community,” emphasizing our collective responsibility to ensure every young person has a safe place to sleep.

Sleep Out invites individuals, faith leaders, corporate partners, advocates, and supporters to spend one night outside in community and in solidarity with young people experiencing homelessness. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by youth in crisis while raising critical funds to support Huckleberry House’s shelter, housing, and prevention programs.

“We are community is more than a theme – it is a call to action,” said Jennifer Sharma, CEO of Huckleberry House. “When young people experience homelessness, it is not just their burden to carry. It is ours. Our many partners in the community, including First Congregational Church, reflect the kind of shared commitment it takes to show up for youth, not just one night, but every day.

First Congregational Church, UCC, Columbus, joins the 2026 Sleep Out as a community partner, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to service, compassion, and justice. “At First Congregational Church, we believe faith is lived out through action,” said Interim Associate Pastor, Rev. Jess Young Chang.  “We are honored to partner with Huckleberry House and its event, Sleep Out, to stand alongside young people and advocate as part of a caring, responsive community.”

Also joining Sleep Out 2026 are host committee members: Julie Simono with Colliers International and a member of Huckleberry House’s Board of Directors, Arianny Damian, The Wilder Family, and C3 Church.

Each year, Huckleberry House serves thousands of young people and family’s across central Ohio who are experiencing homelessness, family crisis, or housing instability. Funds raised through Sleep Out directly support emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and prevention services, meeting youth where they are helping them move toward safety, stability, and independence.

Community members are encouraged to register (opening in March 2026), form teams, and fundraise for the event. No one sleeps out alone – participants are surrounded by a network of support, reflection, and shared purpose.

Learn more at: https://huckhouse.org/sleep-out-2026-partnership/

Please join the National Alliance to End Homelessness for a monthly webinar every fourth Thursday at 1pm EST to collectively build our advocacy skills!

February 26: How to Build Local Power to Influence Members of Congress

March 26: How to Build Long-Term Relationships with District Staff & Local Electeds

April 23: Using Economic + Public Safety Arguments with Moderate and GOP Offices

May 28: How to Host a Successful Member of Congress Site Visit

Learn more at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QtRAvHYmSGaHbPirKMKbjg?utm_source=Master+Email+List&utm_campaign=a4e10c393e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_09_22_03_36_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-bd1968e562-270588345#/registration

Join the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s Innovations in Manufactured and Modular Homes Network (I’m HOME) and The Pew Charitable Trusts virtually for the launch of a new state policy playbook focused on expanding and preserving manufactured housing opportunities across the United States. This hybrid event will introduce the playbook’s overarching policy recommendations and highlight how states can take meaningful action to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and modernize housing policy through manufactured housing. Please note that in-person attendance is by invitation only.

The launch will bring together policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and researchers for a discussion of state-level strategies to support manufactured housing as an important part of the nation’s housing landscape. The program will be organized around three core policy areas: building attainable supply through zoning and land use reform, expanding access to mortgages for homebuyers by modernizing titling policy, and promising strategies to preserve existing communities as a source of naturally occurring affordable housing.

Together, these themes will showcase how states have approached reducing regulatory barriers, supporting healthier and more energy-efficient housing options, removing unnecessary hurdles preventing homebuyer access to mortgages, and helping families remain in their homes.

Registration for virtual participants opens April 28, 2026. View the agenda.

Contact an event organizer with questions.

Learn more: https://www.lincolninst.edu/events/2026/state-policy-playbook-expanding-preserving-attainable-housing-manufactured-homes/

COHHIO Training Announcement

Housing First Basics

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Format: Virtual

Trainer: Elizabeth Grieser, COHHIO Director of Training & TA

Register Now

Overview

This training is a timely introduction to Housing First, an evidence-based and effective solution to homelessness. The training will cover the basics of Housing First in easy-to-understand language.

Training Areas Include:

• What Housing First is and is not

• Origins and evolution of Housing First

• Principles of Housing First

• Challenges to Housing First

Target Audience

All COHHIO member organizations and homeless assistance providers in the state of Ohio. 

Dissemination

Program Managers, team leaders and staff. 

Who Should Attend

This training will be open to all system partners and the public.

Continuing Education Credits

CEUs for individuals licensed under the Ohio Social Worker, Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist Board will be available.

Training Agreement

By accepting this invitation, you agree to:

• Come ready to engage in an interactive virtual training

• Share your knowledge and experience with others

• Video camera turned on (If possible)

register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/erBu1M7hS_-NcD7_ZjNUyg#/registration

The Franklin County Auditor’s Office is hosting Homestead Exemption Application Clinics across Franklin County with the goal of connecting with neighbors and assisting residents with the application process. At these Homestead Exemption Clinics, you will meet with Homestead Exemption experts, learn about eligibility, and start the application process.

Friday, May 22, 1:00 - 3:00pm

Griswold Center

777 High St.

Worthington OH 43085

Mark your calendars!

The State of Aging, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging's annual event benefiting the Aging Solutions Foundation, will be at the Grand Event Center in Columbus on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The '16 Over 60' awards are back as well. '16 Over 60' will recognize 16 extraordinary Central Ohio older adults. More information about nominations to come in January, so stay tuned! Also, more information about admission tickets to come in 2026.

Sponsorship opportunities for the State of Aging are available. 
Click the button below to learn more!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL

Prayer Gathering

in honor of LSS Faith Mission’s 60th Anniversary!

You are warmly invited to join us for a special prayer gathering as we give thanks and reflect on the impact of LSS Faith Mission over the past 60 years and pray for the future of this important work.

Thursday, May 21, 2026
2:00-4:00 p.m.

LSS Faith Mission

245 N. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

We hope you will join us in prayer as we give thanks for the past and look ahead to the future. Please RSVP by May 5.

RSVP NOW

Ohio Housing Finance Agency Public Hearing on the Agency's Annual Plan

May 21, 2026

10:30 a.m.

The public hearing for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's

Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Plan will be held on 

Thursday, May 21, 2026

10:30 a.m.

2600 Corporate Exchange Drive

2nd Floor, Roger McCauley Boardroom

Columbus, Ohio 43231

The public hearing is the first agenda item of the regular OHFA Board meeting.

Those who wish to address the OHFA Board may attend in person.

The purpose of the hearing is to obtain input from any interested party regarding the administration of OHFA programs, guidelines, policies, and the Agency's Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Plan. Interested parties will be given five (5) minutes to address the Board if they wish to provide comments.

Written comments may be directed to OHFAPublicHearing@ohiohome.org.

The draft Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Plan has been posted for comment for 30

days. Comments may be sent to OHFAPublicHearing@ohiohome.org until

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 5 p.m.

This public hearing will fulfill the requirements of the statutorily required public

hearing as set forth in Ohio Revised Code Section 175.04(D).

For those wishing to view the public hearing and Board meeting virtually, please register.

Learn more: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/0822c2c5-c1a5-4c59-bae1-fe8dbc6a8a78@66348b01-9dd4-4085-9316-229e33329e7b

CH|CR Celebration RSVP

Event Date: Wednesday May 20, 2026 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Event Location: Dave & Buster's 3665 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026
Contact us at (614) 418-7725 option 7 or info@creativehousing.org

Creative Housing is turning 35 this May! Please join us at Dave & Buster's to celebrate. As a token of our appreciation, CH|CR Residents can enjoy a few games on us and cupcakes and water will be provided. Additional food and beverages are also available for purchase from the Dave & Buster’s menu. 

Love to play games? Pre-purchase a CH|CR Fundraiser Power Card to use the day of the event. 

When you purchase a Dave & Buster’s Power Card from our fundraising page, 50% of your order directly supports CH|CR! We plan to use the donations to replenish the Rafter Legacy Fund. 

Can't attend? We are asking for your support to help us in 2 ways

1. Buy a power card to donate to the Rafter Legacy Fund, and

2. Provide game tokens for folks coming to the event by gifting your Power Card to Creative Housing at info@creativehousing.org at time of purchase.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

We're excited to be celebrating this milestone together!

With a vote expected next week, our next moves are critical. Please join an all-coalition legislative update on the House amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

We’ll share the latest developments and discuss how you can help support efforts to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and expand housing choice nationwide.

Learn more: https://connect.upforgrowth.org/e/1117393/l-1117393-2026-02-18-cvrn27/cwfssq/1381355835/h/Alrez3C3BBaWnw0LyI8veAsR41EzECbQpFH7svergg4

Enjoy lunch while hearing from a panel on Downpayment Assistance Programs

Have lunch on us as well as earn 2 hours of CE credit while hearing from a panel on Downpayment Assitance Programs. Enter to win a door prize at the check in table*!

Doors will open a 11:00 a.m. with lunch immediately available.

Introduction and drawing for door prize will be at 11:30 a.m. followed by panel discussion.

* One entry per person. Must be present to win. No purchase necessary.

Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-national-bank-columbus-realtor-lunch-learn-may-19-2026-tickets-1984962969676

Join ULI Columbus for a conversation with Carol Coletta, visiting as a ULI Laureate Prize Winner for Visionaries in Urban Development.

This engaging session will explore the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing transit-oriented development within under-market areas, with a focus on the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors along West Broad Street and East Main Street. Drawing on her national experience, Carol will share insights on building effective coalitions, expanding development tools, and catalyzing reinvestment in communities positioned for transformation.

Following her remarks, the West Broad BRT Corridor design team will present updates on station area planning, reinvestment opportunities, and the emerging vision for walkable, mixed-use development. The program will conclude with an open dialogue, inviting perspectives from the development community on the challenges, opportunities, and partnership strategies needed to bring this vision to life.

Learn more: https://columbus.uli.org/events/detail/CB8D7172-136F-4857-9646-5EEA52297933/

Join us Friday, May 15 from 8:30am-12pm for the Home Title Fraud Summit.

The Home Title Fraud Summit will bring together local government officials, law enforcement, title professionals and real estate regulators for a focused discussion on home title fraud. The program will open with welcome remarks from Auditor Michael Stinziano and Recorder Danny O’Connor, followed by a panel on the transfer and recording process, with Chaz Schafer (Franklin County Auditor’s Office), Anthea Hammon (Franklin County Recorder's Office), and Matt Teliak (Northwest Title), moderated by Matt Gregory (Columbus REALTORS®).

The summit will also include a discussion on the investigation and prosecution of home title fraud, moderated by Auditor Stinziano, with insight from the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police Economic Crime Unit.

The program will conclude with a solutions-focused panel moderated by Recorder O’Connor, featuring representatives from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office, Franklin County Recorder’s Office and Daphne Hawk from the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.

Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/home-title-fraud-summit-tickets-1987064361997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Today, affordable quality housing is often out of reach. Standard remedies tend to focus on tweaking regulations, zoning, and public subsidies. But what if systemic shifts are needed? That is a central claim of solidarity economy advocates.

In this 90-minute Shelterforce webinar, panelists will outline what a solidarity economy is and what its principles are and suggest ways these principles might be applied more broadly.

Our panelists are: - Kali Akuno is a cofounder and codirector of Cooperation Jackson - Alison Chopel is a professor at the Graduate School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico - Miki’ala Catalfano is the cofounder and executive director of Native Roots Network Steve Dubb moderates.

Learn more: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Q5thebBzStmFihcJpMQTMA#/registration

Are you new to the mortgage revenue bond program or in need of a refresher?
MRBs are the state housing finance agencies’ primary means of financing affordable home purchase loans. Join NCSHA on May 14 for this virtual workshop as top bond counsel, seasoned financial advisors, and HFA leaders delve into MRB program requirements, bond issuances, structuring, and post-issue compliance.

Register by April 29 to take advantage of the early-bird discount!

Agenda
All times Eastern

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Background and Basics
During this MRBs primer, we’ll cover federal program requirements including the first-time home buyer requirement, income and purchase price limits, targeted areas, and maximum allowed mortgage rates.

2:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Issuances, Strategies, and Operations
Gain a better understanding of pre-issuance planning, market timing, different bond structures, how to attract investors, and how MRBs compare with other single-family lending financing sources as we delve into the MRB-issuance process.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Post-Issuance Compliance and Requirements
In this session, explore the ongoing regulatory requirements HFAs must satisfy after an MRB is issued, including reporting, proper use of bond proceeds, the 10-Year rule, recapture tax, and how to avoid rebates to the Internal Revenue Service. Learn what obligations HFAs owe to MRB investors and how they can be fulfilled.

Trainers

• Thomas Bryan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

• Victor Chiang, Vice President | Caine Mitter & Associates Incorporated

• Nicholas Koontz, Partner | Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP

• Benjamin Madorsky, President | cfX Incorporated

• Erwin Tam, Director of Financing | California Housing Finance Agency

• John Wagner, Partner | Kutak Rock

Learn more: https://members.ncsha.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=EventInfo&Reg_evt_key=bda0a44d-1496-4b54-881b-76a5827c76c4&RegPath=EventRegFees&FreeEvent=0&Event=2026%20Webinar:%20Mortgage%20Revenue%20Bonds%20101&FundraisingEvent=0&evt_guest_limit=9999

Understanding Louisiana v. Callais: What the Supreme Court Decision Means for Housing & Democracy

Register today and join us Monday, May 11, at 3:00 pm ET for “Understanding Louisiana v. Callais: What the Supreme Court Decision Means for Housing & Democracy,” the next webinar in NLIHC’s Our Homes, Our Votes nonpartisan campaign 2026 series.

This session will examine the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais and its implications for voting rights, representation, and civic engagement nationwide.

Learn more: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eOVXRkqRRn6QmaIlp3vBYg

Strong Like A Mother 5K - Kids 12 and under are FREE!

May 10, 2026

Wolfe Park - Columbus, OH

For volunteer + sponsorship opportunities email oloebsack@homeforfamilies.org.

Learn more: https://runsignup.com/stronglikeamother5k

The next few weeks are critical. We invite you to join an all-coalition legislative update on the 21st Century Road to Housing legislation.

We'll provide the most up-to-date state-of-play and help you lend your voice to this important debate.

Register here: https://connect.upforgrowth.org/l/1117393/2026-02-18/cvrn27

Are you thinking

about buying a home?

Our $15,000 grant makes the dream more doable!

Please join us for a free, informational homebuyer workshop in a

relaxed setting. Doors open at 5:00 and we’ll serve light refreshments

before our presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes1 will be given

away, too!

Park’s community home lenders will discuss:

• Park’s new $15,000 home loan grant program2

• 100% financing options

• The homebuying process

• Managing, building and improving your credit

• What it means to prequalify and how to do it

Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-national-bank-homebuyer-seminar-may-6-2026-tickets-1984970406921

Coffee & Whatever

First Fridays at Noon

Have a wild idea you want to soundboard? Looking to vent (fair, TBH)? Seeking a new nerdy housing friend? Want to give & get book recommendations? Just enjoy espresso and good company? Join AHACO’s Coffee & Whatever for unstructured fun.

We’ll meet on the first Friday of each month at noon at a local coffee shop. May 1st is at Restoration Roastery at 66 East Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215. It’s super easy to get to on COTA, parking can often be found on High/Broad or along Gay, but if all else fails the Statehouse’s underground parking deck usually has spots open.

No gilded invites, no RSVPs, just swing by and grab a coffee. Conversations are always free, but drinks are on your own dime.

Join us for the 2026 Annual Conference of the Ohio Healthy Homes Network. This informative event will unite public health officials, community leaders, property owners, and health, professionals in the fight against lead poisoning.

Learn more at: https://www.ohhn.org/2026-annual-conference/

Attorneys will be available to give advice on rent escrow and will answer questions like: Is the case ready to file? What are the next steps after filing?

Franklin County Municipal Court 3 floor, outside of the rent escrow clerk window

FRANKLIN COUNTY WILLS CLINIC

A free legal clinic for low-income adults ages 60+

Meet with an attorney to get help preparing:

• SIMPLE WILLS

• DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY

• HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

• TRANSFER ON DEATH AFFIDAVITS FOR REAL ESTATE

SIGNING UP AHEAD OF TIME

IS REQUIRED

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Prairie Township Community Center

5955 W Broad St.

Galloway, OH 43119

Call to Sign Up: 614-737-0121

For 40 years, YWCA Columbus has proudly celebrated extraordinary leaders who embody the essence of women’s empowerment. These individuals transform their professions, uplift their communities, challenge inequities, and inspire generations to fight for a more just and equitable future. Women of Achievement 2025 marked four decades of honoring the courage, compassion, and dedication of those driving meaningful change in our Columbus community and beyond.

Women of Achievement

Learn more at: https://www.ywcacolumbus.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/woa

Join OCDCA, Tiffaney Shaver of Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, Sam Miller, and the Ohio Department of Development for an informative webinar designed to connect you with the funding resources, programs, and partnerships needed to support rural and community development across Ohio.

Our three expert presenters will cover a range of timely topics critical to rural housing and community development professionals, local leaders, and nonprofits working on the ground:

Developing in Rural Ohio: Learn strategies for tackling rural housing challenges, including how to layer multiple funding sources to maximize impact. Explore creative approaches to cost savings, capacity building, and the power of on-the-ground collaboration to create sustainable rural housing solutions.

Appalachian Ohio Funding Opportunities: Get a comprehensive overview of the funding available for community development projects in Ohio's 32 Appalachian counties, and learn how your organization can access these resources.

New Programs from the Ohio Department of Development: Hear directly from ODOD about two new state programs: the Residential Economic Development Districts (REDD) program and the Residential Development Revolving Loan Program (RDRLP), and what they mean for rural communities across the state.

Learn more at: https://web.ohiocdc.org/atlas/events/rural-funding-resources-in-ohio-1095/details

Speak to several community partners, attend workshops, and learn more about:

-Housing Resources & Programs (Weatherization, Home Repair, etc.)

-Home ownership & down payment assistance

-General contractor opportunities

-Eviction prevention and tax foreclosure

-Landlord & tenant rights

At 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus OH 43215.

Please join the National Alliance to End Homelessness for a monthly webinar every fourth Thursday at 1pm EST to collectively build our advocacy skills!

February 26: How to Build Local Power to Influence Members of Congress

March 26: How to Build Long-Term Relationships with District Staff & Local Electeds

April 23: Using Economic + Public Safety Arguments with Moderate and GOP Offices

May 28: How to Host a Successful Member of Congress Site Visit

Learn more at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QtRAvHYmSGaHbPirKMKbjg?utm_source=Master+Email+List&utm_campaign=a4e10c393e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_09_22_03_36_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-bd1968e562-270588345#/registration

Over the past several years, providers and communities across the country report facing increased challenges in providing supportive housing for people with the highest acuity needs. Through interviews, focus groups, and discussions with community partners, CSH has identified core challenges in both our systems-level and provider-level responses, as well as promising practices for addressing these challenges. This two-part webinar series will discuss pain points for providers supporting individuals with high acuity needs and highlight creative solutions identified by community partners. Part 1 will focus on themes including: What constitutes high acuity/who are the individuals with high acuity concerns, addressing significant medical and ADL challenges in supportive housing, and responding to workforce challenges and post-COVID impacts. Part 2 will address high acuity behaviors impacting safety, such as violence, hoarding, and fire-setting, as well as behavioral health challenges like chaotic substance use and psychosis. Both webinars will include presentations from providers, a moderated panel discussion, and open Q&A for audience questions.

Learn more: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MMnKAfeQQCOfjpxN0AZhKQ?utm_campaign=41921602-NCHH%20Launch&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--jG_SJZovhFfsf6p5zmCjWEWrKXM5QeeEGXUV3CPC-YLIwuwggU3EnY3v1ZWwEyLGfRLxoe_W51hsNkomrV0dzcSj5og&_hsmi=412430249&utm_content=412430249&utm_source=hs_email#/registration

The Franklin County Auditor’s Office is hosting Homestead Exemption Application Clinics across Franklin County with the goal of connecting with neighbors and assisting residents with the application process. At these Homestead Exemption Clinics, you will meet with Homestead Exemption experts, learn about eligibility, and start the application process.

The next clinic will be:

Wednesday, April 22 from 10am – noon

Columbus Metropolitan Library Driving Park Branch, 1422 Livingston Avenue