The City of Columbus is hosting a series of public workshops to inform the Columbus Housing and Opportunity Plan. These workshops are designed to receive input from the community on the plan’s analyses and proposed ideas to address housing affordability, segregation, community relations, and opportunity throughout neighborhoods in Columbus.

Community participation is critical to the success of this plan – our most important data point is YOU. Your input directly impacts local policy and programming, including how funding is used to improve housing opportunities for all Columbus residents.

Event Details

There are four workshops, one in each quadrant of the city, that will cover the same content. We encourage you to attend the workshop in your quadrant, but all are welcome to attend any of the sessions! Pizza and beverages will be provided for all attendees. Please join us and help spread the word about this opportunity!

March 9, 2025 | 6-8PM – Dodge Community Center (Southwest)
667 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

March 10, 2025 | 6-8PM – Bethel IUMC (Northwest)
1220 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220

March 11, 2025 | 6-8PM – Linden Community Center (Northeast)
1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

March 12, 2025 | 6-8PM – Columbus Metropolitan Library, Driving Park Branch (Southeast)
1422 E. Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205

Learn more at: https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Finance-and-Management/Grants-Management

Learn more here: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb598

The City of Columbus is hosting a series of public workshops to inform the Columbus Housing and Opportunity Plan. These workshops are designed to receive input from the community on the plan’s analyses and proposed ideas to address housing affordability, segregation, community relations, and opportunity throughout neighborhoods in Columbus.

Community participation is critical to the success of this plan – our most important data point is YOU. Your input directly impacts local policy and programming, including how funding is used to improve housing opportunities for all Columbus residents.

Event Details

There are four workshops, one in each quadrant of the city, that will cover the same content. We encourage you to attend the workshop in your quadrant, but all are welcome to attend any of the sessions! Pizza and beverages will be provided for all attendees. Please join us and help spread the word about this opportunity!

March 9, 2025 | 6-8PM – Dodge Community Center (Southwest)
667 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

March 10, 2025 | 6-8PM – Bethel IUMC (Northwest)
1220 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220

March 11, 2025 | 6-8PM – Linden Community Center (Northeast)
1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

March 12, 2025 | 6-8PM – Columbus Metropolitan Library, Driving Park Branch (Southeast)
1422 E. Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205

Learn more at: https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Finance-and-Management/Grants-Management

The City of Columbus is hosting a series of public workshops to inform the Columbus Housing and Opportunity Plan. These workshops are designed to receive input from the community on the plan’s analyses and proposed ideas to address housing affordability, segregation, community relations, and opportunity throughout neighborhoods in Columbus.

Community participation is critical to the success of this plan – our most important data point is YOU. Your input directly impacts local policy and programming, including how funding is used to improve housing opportunities for all Columbus residents.

Event Details

There are four workshops, one in each quadrant of the city, that will cover the same content. We encourage you to attend the workshop in your quadrant, but all are welcome to attend any of the sessions! Pizza and beverages will be provided for all attendees. Please join us and help spread the word about this opportunity!

March 9, 2025 | 6-8PM – Dodge Community Center (Southwest)
667 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

March 10, 2025 | 6-8PM – Bethel IUMC (Northwest)
1220 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220

March 11, 2025 | 6-8PM – Linden Community Center (Northeast)
1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

March 12, 2025 | 6-8PM – Columbus Metropolitan Library, Driving Park Branch (Southeast)
1422 E. Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205

Learn more at: https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Finance-and-Management/Grants-Management

Join the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio to watch the original short film "United: the Hidden Story of the Humble Duplex".

We'll discuss how redlining, segregation and other forces targeted this architectural icon, and how a new generation is reclaiming the duplex as a tool for growth, wealth, individuality and community development. Light refreshments will be provided.

Source: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/14386727

Presented by your Franklin County Auditor’s Office

Learn from and connect with more than40 organizations at this free event!

EAST HIGH SCHOOL, 1500 E. BROAD ST.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 10am - 2pm

Learn more at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScO5PAUJO9luLGUy_f-I_sHBUJTYRqEgXRNONopd5q95vWwSA/viewform

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. March 6th is at Qahwah House Coffee at 189 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215.

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

Please join us for our first community meeting to kick off the LinkUS Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) planning effort for the West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor! The West Broad Street TOD Plan is intended to support the development of welcoming and accessible station areas that provide a wide variety of affordable and attainable housing, support existing businesses, attract new investment and job creation, and enhance, preserve and protect each neighborhood’s rich, diverse community heritage and local character.

The community-wide kickoff meeting will be held Thursday, March 5th from 6 to 7 PM at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Hilltop Branch at 511 S. Hague Avenue in meeting rooms 2, 3, and 4. Please visit this link to RSVP, and learn more about this exciting effort!  We also encourage you to share the attached flyer and the website link with your networks.

Learn more at: https://linkuscolumbus.com/development/

BRUTUS LUMINARIES SERIES

Seasoned professionals sharing authentic perspectives with our industry's emerging leaders. 

Glass Ceilings and Master Plans
A breakfast session celebrating executive women driving leadership, strategy, and community impact in affordable housing. 

Powered by The Center for Real Estate and Fisher Women in Real Estate (WIRE)

Join us for this Brutus Luminaries Series installment, an inspiring morning celebrating executive women who are shaping communities, designing impactful strategies, and advancing access in affordable housing and real estate. This exclusive breakfast brings together industry leaders whose vision, resilience, and commitment are transforming housing across the country and driving meaningful change in communities nationwide. Panelists will share how they developed their leadership philosophy while advancing systemic and community impact, offering a blueprint for leadership that balances innovation, equity, and meaningful change.

From senior living development and asset management to finance, law, community strategy, and more, these executives will explore how leadership, vision, and structural expertise support opportunity, access, and long-term community growth. Framed through the lens of glass ceilings and master plans, the discussion highlights how these leaders are shaping the future of real estate, designing strategies that strengthen communities, and advancing solutions that create lasting impact across the sector 
 

Click the link below to submit interest. Registration closes on February 26, 2026.
 

Submit Interest Here

Event Details 

WHERE
The Ohio State University
Exact Location Provided After Registration 

WHEN
Thursday, March 5, 2026

8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Interactive Panel Discussion    
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast Networking Reception

Meet the Industry Experts
 

Amy Albery | Panelist
Wallick Communities
CEO

Susan Dimickele | Panelist
National Church Residencies
President and CEO

Laing Akers | Panelist
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Partner

Catherine Strauss | Panelist
Ice Miller
Managing Partner

From Prayers to Pro Formas

A Housing Crash Course for Central Ohio’s Faith Leaders

Join local religious leaders and affordable housing experts on March 4, 2026 at beginning at 9:30 AM at the King Arts Complex, for a day of learning and fellowship. Hear the latest in faith-based development and the “Yes In God’s Backyard” movement, discover best practices for advancing your community, network with housing professionals, and explore emerging tools for collaboration.

Learn more at: https://www.ahaco.org/prayers

Building Performance Standard Public Meeting

Register Today!

BPS Public Meeting

March 3, 6-7:30PM

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

111 Liberty St., Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215

Download the calendar invite here: Building Performance Standard Public Meeting.ics

A Building Performance Standard (BPS) is a policy designed to enhance the performance of existing buildings by establishing energy or emissions targets that progress over time. A BPS can help our city achieve multiple goals of the Climate Action Plan while enhancing quality of life and fostering local economic growth. Columbus is looking to adopt a BPS Ordinance in 2026 and is seeking public input. 

Food and drink will be provided. Parking is available for free in the lot at the back of the building. 

Learn more at: https://us.openforms.com/Form/9d137cb0-592a-421c-977d-a02f1fa78985

The Board of Revision mobile filing events are to help homeowners answer questions regarding property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect. 

At the Homestead Exemption application clinics, staff will be available to assist homeowners with the application process. The homestead exemption is a statewide program which allows qualified senior citizens and totally disabled homeowners, to reduce their property tax burden by shielding some of the auditor’s appraised value of their home from taxation. To see if you qualify for Homestead Exemption, visit https://franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/homestead

Community Working Hours

Councilmember Tiara N. Ross is launching offsite community working hours as an opportunity to spend more quality time with the people of Columbus. Starting with Council District 7, Councilmember Ross will highlight minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, community centers and other unique spaces. To kick off Women’s History Month, Councilmember Ross will host the first community work hours Tuesday, March 3 at Femergy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing women and girls the opportunity to foster relationships, training opportunities and holistic support to overcome barriers. 

When and Where:

Tuesday, March 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Femergy

49 S. Grant Ave.

Columbus, OH 43215

Affordable housing operators are stretched thin. Small teams, nonstop phone calls, 3,000-person waitlists on spreadsheets, and compliance rules that stack higher with every funding layer. Meanwhile, the technology built for conventional housing keeps getting retrofitted to affordable…and it keeps falling short.

Akshay Ramaswamy, Staff Product Manager at EliseAI, sat down with McKenna Sommers, VP of Business Applications at Richman Property Services, to break down what's actually working with AI in affordable housing. 

McKenna shares the real numbers from the Richman and EliseAI partnership: 32,000+ monthly calls handled, 50% of leads captured after hours, rent collection hitting 90% four to five days faster year over year, and maintenance after-hours calls de-escalated 55% of the time. She also walks through how Richman got site teams to actually adopt the technology, including the peer-led training approach that built internal champions.

Whether you're managing LIHTC, HUD Section 8, mixed-income, or senior affordable communities, this session covers the way AI is already making an impact on the operational pain points affordable housing operators have to contend with every day.

Learn more at: https://www.housingfinance.com/premium/e-learning/751076?pk=eliseAI-wb-030326-email-022626&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AHF-Promo-Promotions&oly_enc_id=3279D6001834H4X

On March 3, 2026 at 10am, the Columbus Empowerment Corp is hosting a virtual event to provide a clear, practical overview of Opportunity Zones — what they are, why they matter, and how communities can advocate to be included in the Opportunity Zone map.

This session is presented in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurial Development (COED), Columbus Empowerment Corporation, Put Us On The Map, and CEO 360, Inc.

Opportunity Zones are a federal economic development tool designed to encourage long-term investment in underserved urban, small-town, and rural communities. Many areas missed the first wave of participation simply because they did not have clear information or organized advocacy. This discussion will help explain how the program works and why informed community involvement is essential.

Before attending, we encourage you to watch this short introductory video: https://youtu.be/ti9wkQEvmlE

Join us on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 833 0794 4433

Passcode: 702487

We look forward to sharing information that can help position your community for long-term economic growth and investment.

America is short an estimated 4 million homes. Much of the national conversation about how to fix the housing supply crisis focuses on building new homes. Building homes is crucial, but there’s another solution hiding in plain sight, and it's faster, cheaper, and greener than new construction. 

Please join us for an online event on Monday, March 2 at 1:00pm ET focused on opportunity presented by the 25 percent of existing homes across the United States—that is 22 million homes—that cost less than $200,000. These homes are a crucial source of affordable housing, particularly for first-time homebuyers and families of color, but  mortgage and repair financing failures have functionally locked these homes out of reach. Unlocking access to these homes is a powerful way to increase the supply of homes available for purchase today, even as we build more homes for tomorrow.

Join us to discuss the mortgage and repair financing barriers that put these homes out of reach for millions of Americans, and the ways cities are innovating to solve this crucial housing supply problem. 

Speakers:

- Anjulie Rao, Journalist, Dwell Magazine 

- Damon Thompson, Senior Director, National Housing, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
- Sabiha Zainulbhai, Deputy Director, Future of Land and Housing, New America
- Sarah Mancini, Managing Director of Advocacy, National Consumer Law Center

- Yuliya Panfil, Senior Fellow and Director, Future of Land and Housing, New America

Learn more: https://events.newamerica.org/aquarterofushomescostunder20

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

When states and localities encourage the development of housing on publicly owned land they tend to focus on the number of units that will be created rather than design strategies that create new kinds of homes, provide important amenities, use new construction methods, or create opportunities for a new generation of design professionals. Susanne Schindler will discuss her recent working paper about how design competitions can address these shortcomings. Boston-area practitioners Kathleen Evans, Tim Love, Sam Naylor, Rebecca Tomasovic, and Joseph Zeal-Henry will join for a roundtable discussion about the opportunities and challenges of procurement processes that promote quality, transparency, and capacity building in the design and development of housing.

An edited version of the conversation will be published as part of the 2026 edition of The State of Housing Design book, which will feature similar pieces from two other upcoming Center events.

Co-sponsored by the Boston Society for Architecture’s Housing Committee.

Learn more at: https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/calendar/using-design-competitions-improve-quality-housing-roundtable-discussion?utm_source=JCHS+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=7aedf5e628-events_mailer_02-02-26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4d133ff35d-7aedf5e628-126611524

The Board of Revision mobile filing events are to help homeowners answer questions regarding property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect. 

At the Homestead Exemption application clinics, staff will be available to assist homeowners with the application process. The homestead exemption is a statewide program which allows qualified senior citizens and totally disabled homeowners, to reduce their property tax burden by shielding some of the auditor’s appraised value of their home from taxation. To see if you qualify for Homestead Exemption, visit https://franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/homestead

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

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. For many families, our federal Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs were essential in moving them out of homelessness and into safe and stable housing. 

However, the Trump administration is now threatening to cut funding to this essential assistance, which will put tenants who receive subsidies through HUD’s CoC and ESG programs at risk of losing their housing and other support. 

Join the National Housing Law Project (NHLP) and the National Homelessness Law Center (NHLC) to learn how to represent HUD CoC and ESG participants in evictions and subsidy terminations, including those that may arise due to funding cuts. 

Register Here

During the webinar, experts from NHLP and NHLC will:


• Discuss strategies to prevent evictions and termination in the face of potential funding lapses or shortfalls;

• Provide guidance on working with your CoC and/or ESG administrator to strengthen participant protections; and

• Review a new toolkit to help advocates navigate HUD homelessness programs.

NHLP’s deputy director Deborah Thrope will moderate a panel of housing and homelessness experts, including:


• Hannah Adams, Senior Staff Attorney, NHLP

• John Salois, Youth Shelter and Housing Attorney, NHLC

• Katie Meyers Scott, Youth Homelessness Program Director, NHLC

• Victoria Dempsey, Staff Attorney, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

• Jonathan Belcher, CoC Director and Peter & Paul Community Services, St. Louis City Continuum of Care

This session will be recorded and California MCLE credits are available.

Learn more at: https://nhlp-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/YHZd9dGxS5iqYhTZNHNyFA#/registration

This series will convene housing experts, business leaders, policymakers, and community partners for in-depth conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Ohio’s housing landscape. Participants will explore the factors affecting housing supply, accessibility, and affordability—and how these issues directly influence Ohio’s ability to attract and retain a growing workforce. Through collaborative discussions, case studies, and forward-looking insights, the series will highlight innovative approaches, policy considerations, and community-driven strategies aimed at strengthening Ohio’s housing market. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the interconnected needs of employers, workers, and local communities as Ohio continues to grow and compete for talent.

Learn more: https://www.ohiochamber.com/events/a2pQo000000mrzhIAA/

Overview

Representative Humphrey hosts a new community workshop empowering residents to make their voices heard at the Ohio Statehouse.

Join State Representative Humphrey for a free, interactive Community Advocacy Workshop focused on empowering residents to make their voices heard at the Ohio Statehouse. This hands-on event is designed to break down the process of giving testimony before legislative committees and show participants that engaging with state government is both accessible and impactful.

Attendees will learn how to prepare and deliver testimony in front of committees of Ohio Representatives, including what to expect on hearing days, how to submit written testimony, and how to confidently share personal stories and policy concerns. To make the experience practical and welcoming, participants will take part in a mock committee hearing, allowing them to practice in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

The goal of this workshop is to remove barriers to civic participation and empower community members with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for issues that matter most to them. Whether you are new to civic engagement or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this workshop provides a valuable opportunity to learn, practice, and be heard. Light refreshments will be provided.

Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/representative-latyna-m-humphrey-presents-can-i-get-a-witness-tickets-1982011477684?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Join COHHIO for a 1 hour virtual training on housing and homelessness with special focus on the Continuum of Care.

This training is specifically geared for local government staff and officials on the municipal or county level.

In this training we will cover:

• Housing and Homelessness: What local leaders want to know

• How does the CoC work and how can local leaders get involved

• Federal CoC funding update and how it might impact your community

• Why Congressional advocacy is important

Hear from CoC leaders, COHHIO executive director Amy Reigel, and others about the state of housing and homelessness in Ohio.

Learn more at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OyiLF7hxQ0C2Bxm08g_buQ#/registration

The Franklin County Auditor’s Office invites you to join Connecting Communities with the Homestead Exemption, a webinar taking place on February 25 at 11:30 a.m. This informational session is designed for service providers, community organizations, and community center staff who work directly with residents who may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption.

The Homestead Exemption is a statewide program that helps qualified senior citizens, permanently and totally disabled homeowners, and veterans who are 100% disabled due to service reduce their property tax burden. The exemption works by shielding a portion of the auditor’s appraised value of a home from taxation and is applied as a credit on property tax bills.

This session will provide an overview of eligibility requirements, key timelines, and what residents can expect throughout the application process. Attendees will also receive updates on relevant policy considerations and learn how community partners can help connect eligible residents to this important program.

The goal of this presentation is to ensure service providers have clear, practical information they can use when supporting their communities. Time will be reserved for discussion and shared learning among attendees.

We hope you will join us for this opportunity to strengthen partnerships and improve access for the residents we serve. Please register at the link here.

Learn more at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4SzFk3UNY0KauZwofiieGHu-4exAMRVBlqEvTfsdhGdUNDgwUkxNSTI2UjZOWjMzUVg2QjlQQUE5NC4u

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Join George Kaitsa, Delaware County Auditor, for a clear overview of what property tax reform means for you in 2025, what to expect in 2026, and how this year’s reappraisal process may affect property taxes in 2027. Attendees are welcome to bring food and stay for a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

You will learn about:

Property Tax Reform

Inflation Cap Credit

2026 Triennial Update

Homestead Exemption

Owner Occupancy Credit

Property Valuation Complaints

SourcePoint: Thrive After 55! 800 Cheshire Rd., Delaware, Ohio 740-363-6677

We’re going to Columbus City Council.

On February 23, Evict Private Equity will again ask Council City Council to consider an ordinance limiting the number of single-family homes private equity firms and institutional investors can own in our city.

Institutional investors are buying up homes, driving up prices, and making it harder for Columbus families to afford to live here.

We need you there.

If you can’t be there at 5pm when the meeting starts, don’t worry. Just come when you can.

City Council needs to see that residents want Columbus homes to belong to Columbus family, not out-of-state corporations.

You don’t have to speak. Just show up and stand up for our community.

Bring a friend. Bring a neighbor.

We need you there.

Join the Age-Friendly Innovation Center for a screening of the documentary, No Place to Grow Old, followed by a panel discussion with local leaders on how Central Ohio is addressing older adult homelessness.

No Place To Grow Old is an intimate portrait of the rising crisis of older adult homelessness through deeply personal stories of the lives of three older adults - a union carpenter, a poet, and a computer engineer - all struggling to find a safe and stable housing to call home

Learn more and RSVP at: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5jRbtqbK2Q8KzJk

Join the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio to watch the original short film "United: the Hidden Story of the Humble Duplex".

We'll discuss how redlining, segregation and other forces targeted this architectural icon, and how a new generation is reclaiming the duplex as a tool for growth, wealth, individuality and community development. Light refreshments will be provided.

Source: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/14386680

The Board of Revision mobile filing events are to help homeowners answer questions regarding property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect. 

At the Homestead Exemption application clinics, staff will be available to assist homeowners with the application process. The homestead exemption is a statewide program which allows qualified senior citizens and totally disabled homeowners, to reduce their property tax burden by shielding some of the auditor’s appraised value of their home from taxation. To see if you qualify for Homestead Exemption, visit https://franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/homestead