Coffee & Whatever
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. April 3rd is at Cure Coffee at 154 N 3rd 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.
Measuring the Impact of State Pro-Housing Policies: Empirical Traps to Avoid
Since 2020, more than half of US states have adopted laws to boost the production of smaller, lower-cost homes. The policies vary, but the most common versions require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and small multifamily buildings in residential neighborhoods, permit larger apartment buildings in commercial corridors, and/or streamline lengthy development processes. While policymakers and advocates need to know whether these reforms are working, few rigorous evaluations have been done. Jenny Schuetz, Vice President of Infrastructure, Housing at Arnold Ventures, will discuss the empirical challenges in evaluating state pro-housing policies and strategies for generating more reliable analyses.
Learn more: https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/calendar/measuring-impact-state-pro-housing-policies-empirical-traps-avoid
Office Hours: HUD Time Limits/Work Requirements and 30-Day Notice Rules
Join the National Low Income Housing Coalition staff for office hours to support your comment opposing HUD's proposed 30-Day Notice and Time Limits/Work Requirements rules.
On February 26, HUD took steps to repeal the requirement that public housing agencies (PHAs) and project-based rental assistance (PBRA) owners provide households with a 30-day termination notice prior to filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent. These changes mean that certain tenants in HUD-assisted housing will have less time to catch up on rent to avoid eviction. According to a HUD press release, over 2 million HUD-assisted households will be impacted by this rule change. The public comment period lasts 60 days, with comments due April 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Comments can be submitted via regulations.gov.
On March 2, HUD proposed allowing public housing agencies (PHAs) and HUD-assisted owners to impose work requirements and time limits on assisted families. If implemented, such policies are expected to have negative impacts on HUD-assisted households. For example, a recent Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) analysis found that a 2-year time limit on assistance would result in an estimated 3.3 million people losing their rental assistance, including 1.7 million children. NLIHC strongly opposes the NPRM. Members of the public can submit comments until May 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Fair Housing Training for Delaware County Landlords
Fair Housing training for Delaware County landlords. Learn what’s legal, reduce risk, and avoid costly complaints and violations.
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis
Join us in celebrating 25 years of the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis with a festive Friday Brunch. We will be bringing together our partners from across Columbus and Ohio to share the impact our research has made in the community and celebrating the wins it has made possible. We will also be serving a continental breakfast.
Apr. 10, 2026
9-11 a.m.
—
WHERE:
Vitria on the Square
14 E 15th Avenue
2nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio
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© 2025 | College of Arts and Sciences
Living Together by Design: Housing to Connect Generations
Living Together by Design: Housing to Connect Generations
Event is in person at Piper Auditorium, Gund Hall, Harvard Graduate School of Design and will be livestreamed.
Intergenerational housing and communities—places that purposefully house people of all ages—offer powerful ways to reduce social isolation, improve affordability, and strengthen access to supports. While intergenerational living is not a new idea, innovative models are emerging that can provide valuable insights into housing design and policy that build community, foster both autonomy and interpersonal connections, and address affordability. This half-day event will bring together leaders from architecture, planning, homebuilding, environmental gerontology, public health, and related fields to explore innovative intergenerational design—from flexible homes that adapt to the needs of multigenerational families to larger communities intentionally designed to foster daily interaction and shared support. Join us to explore how thoughtful design, policy, and programming can shape more inclusive, resilient, and connected places to live.
Agenda
1:00 pm — Welcome
Chris Herbert, Managing Director, JCHS
1:05 pm — Overview: The Scale and Scaling of Intergenerational Living
Jennifer Molinsky, Director, Housing an Aging Society Program, JCHS
1:30 pm — Panel 1
Sharing a Home: The Multigenerational Household
Donna Butts, Senior Fellow and former Executive Director, Generations United
Ernest Gonzales, Associate Professor, James Weldon Johnson Professor of Social Work; Director to the Center for Health and Aging Innovation, NYU Silver School of Social Work
Noelle Marcus, Founder and CEO, Nesterly
Natasha Pilkauskas, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
Jennifer Molinsky, Director, Housing an Aging Society Program, JCHS (moderator)
2:30 pm — Break
2:45 pm — Panel 2
Creating Community: Mutual Support in Intentional Intergenerational Housing
Jonathan Evans, Principal, MASS Design Group
Jenny French, Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture, Harvard GSD; Partner, French 2D
Wandy Pascoal, Program Manager, Housing and Innovation Awards, Boston Society for Architecture
Rafi Segal, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, MIT; Founder, RSA+U
James Stockard, Lecturer in Urban Planning and Design Curator Loeb Fellowship, Harvard GSD (moderator)
3:45 pm — Panel 3
Welcoming All Ages: Intergenerational Neighborhoods and Cities
Andrea Burns, Director, Age-Friendly Boston
Patricia Cafferky, Deputy Chief of Operations, Capital Investment, Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
Will Cohen, Zoning Reform Planner, City of Boston Planning Department
Kristin McSwain, Chief of Policy and Research, Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
Tim Love, Lecturer and Senior Fellow in Real Estate and Urban Planning, Harvard GSD; Founding Principal, Utile (moderator)
4:45 pm — From Ideas to Action: Next Steps for Intergenerational Housing
Jenny French, Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture, Harvard GSD; Partner, French 2D
Tim Love, Lecturer and Senior Fellow in Real Estate and Urban Planning, Harvard GSD; Founding Principal, Utile
Jennifer Molinsky, Director, Housing an Aging Society Program, JCHS
5:00 pm — Reception
Image courtesy of French 2D
Community Needs Focus Group Sessions
Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency would like you to join the Community Needs Focus Group Sessions to discuss barriers to employment, education and finances. At Fairfield County Job & Family Services, 239 W. Main St., Lancaster.
Families Flourish Celebration of Milestones
Join Families Flourish for a celebration of milestones!
April 11th from 12:30 - 2:30PM
We will highlight our 10-year anniversary, FOUR new youth participants about to be high school graduates, and all the volunteers that have made this past decade of growth and service POSSIBLE!
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
2151 Dorset Rd, Columbus OH 43221
Star House South Side: a Transformation Celebration
With the support of our community, Star House is transforming the former St. Ladislas campus into a new drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness on Columbus’ South Side.
Please save the date to celebrate renovation progress at Star House South Side and get a first look at how this important space for young people is taking shape.
April 14 at 10 A.M.
277 Reeb Ave.
Columbus, OH 43207
A formal invitation with details and RSVP will follow via Evite.
Older Adults Are Aging Right Into Homelessness
Across Central Ohio, older adults are facing new and rising levels of housing instability. Rents are climbing faster than fixed incomes and affordable housing construction is lagging far behind community needs. This means older adults are more “rent burdened” than ever, spending unsustainable portions of their income on housing—often 75% or more. Many Central Ohioans are encountering housing insecurity for the first time in their 50s, 60s, or even later. The same is holding true for seniors across the country.
There’s a potential solution being tested right here: a groundbreaking new initiative spearheaded by Central Ohio leaders and community advocates recently piloted a simple and promising safety-net solution: providing selected seniors with some $300 a month in rental support for one year.
The results were startling: participants saw significant improvements in financial stability, access to food and social activities, and far fewer emergency department visits. There were improvements in mental health – especially important considering that older adults—particularly older white men—are at higher risk for suicide. Financial instability is a major trigger of mental health crises, but the pilot program’s early results have shown that even modest levels of rental assistance can be life‑saving.
As policymakers and managed care organizations take notice, this moment presents an opportunity to explore scalable, cost-effective solutions that can stabilize older adults, strengthen communities, and prevent health crises before they occur. Join us as we unpack the scope and causes of growing housing insecurity among older adults in Central Ohio and dig into promising solutions that could make a difference nationwide.
Featuring Tiara Ross, Columbus City Councilmember; Marisa Sheldon, Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, with moderator Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and additional panelists to be announced.
Learn more: https://columbusmetroclub.org/event/older-adults-are-aging-right-into-homelessness/
Monthly NAEH Advocacy Workshop
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
MORPC Housing Resource Fair
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.
Developing in Rural Ohio
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
Women of Achievement
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
FRANKLIN COUNTY WILLS CLINIC
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
Rent Escrow Clinic
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
2026 Healthy Homes Annual Conference
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/
LSS Faith Mission’s 60th Anniversary Prayer Gathering
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.
The State of Aging (Proceeds Support the COAAA Housing Assistance Program!)
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!
Monthly NAEH Advocacy Workshop
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
2026 Sleep Out
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/
Under One Roof
Join us for our 40th anniversary at Under One Roof, June 4, 2026
This year, we invite you to pause, not just to honor the moment, but to reflect on the power of collective action. Join us for an evening designed to rest, refresh, and reflect on all that we have achieved together over the past four decades.
As we reconnect and share stories, you’ll feel the warmth of this remarkable community, the pride of what’s possible through partnership, and the renewed energy to take on the next chapter. With longtime partners and friends, we’re not just honoring the past — we’re inspiring each other for even greater impact ahead.
Learn more at: https://www.csb.org/get-involved/under-one-roof/
Tenant Union Lessons: Winning a Rent Strike
In one of the most conservative regions of the country, with almost no legal rights for tenants, the Bowen Tower Tenant Union took the ultimate risk- and they won. The tenants were paying the highest rents they had ever paid for the worst conditions they had ever endured. Last year, they decided they had enough. They started organizing, built a majority union, escalated on their California landlord, and ultimately launched a rent strike on October 1. The union withheld their rent for four months, keeping $89,000+ in rent until they got to the bargaining table with their landlord and signed an agreement that allowed them to end the strike in February 2026. The tenants won two-year leases, rent reductions, good cause eviction protections, and a schedule for major repairs by March 2026. All evictions against strikers were dismissed, and all lease non-renewals against strikers were rescinded.
Something’s gotta give. The question is not whether tenants will revolt, the question is whether that revolt will be from a place of desperation or from a place of power. The job of the tenant union is to ensure the latter. The Bowen Tower Tenant Union, a chapter of KC Tenants, offers the latest example of how tenants can flex economic power and win.
Join The Tenant Union Federation on Wednesday April 1 at 3:30 PT / 4:30 MT / 5:30 CT / 6:30 ET to hear from the union leaders and to learn critical lessons on escalation and bargaining.
Learn more: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ol3WIRVoSceSQZes6Bzjug#/registration
Community Partnerships Health Equity Grant Opportunity 2026–2027
Community Partnerships Health Equity Grant Opportunity 2026–2027
Date & Time
Apr 1, 2026 03:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Description
Please join Franklin County Community Partnerships as we host an informational webinar regarding our upcoming Health Equity Grant Opportunity. This webinar will include valuable information regarding the application process, reporting requirements, and more.
Coming Home: Navigating Turbulent Times in Housing and Movement Work
In this webinar, we’ll take a look at how housing organizations and movement organizations are partnering to drive housing justice forward.
When it comes to housing, we’re living in tough times. More and more people are feeling the pain of not having access to affordable, quality housing, but we’re not getting the policies and practices into place that can change that. Across the country, people from lots of different backgrounds are working hard to change that, but those efforts are difficult for individual advocates and individual organizations to pull off, and too often, our approaches to address structural housing issues remain too siloed.
That’s why ThirdSpace Action Lab and Spire and Base partnered to research the state of housing justice partnerships – and why we’re inviting you to join us for a special sneak peek at what we uncovered. In this webinar, we’ll take a look at how housing organizations and movement organizations are partnering to drive housing justice forward. We’ll examine what makes them successful and what gets in their way. We’ll consider what you can do to support this important work – whether you work at a local, state or national level. And we’ll hear directly from people who are shaping the future of housing justice work.
We hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation!
This event and the housing justice research were produced with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of RWJF.
Rent Escrow Clinic
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
Columbus Water & Power Community Partner Resource Round Table
Columbus Water & Power, in partnership with IMPACT Community Action, invites you to join us for our upcoming Community Partner Resource Round Table.
This gathering is an opportunity for community organizations, service providers, and local partners to connect, share insights, and explore ways we can strengthen coordination and expand access to resources for residents across our community.
Event Details
Community Partner Resource Round Table📅 March 31, 2026🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM📍 Impact Community Action
711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, OH
During this session, partners will have an opportunity to:
• Connect with other community organizations serving Columbus residents
• Learn about available programs and resources
• Share insights about community needs and service gaps
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and stronger referral pathways
Lunch will be provided, and we hope you will join us for this collaborative discussion.
Please see the attached flyer for additional event details.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to connecting with you.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to supporting Columbus residents.
Learn more here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8595df06a6b149f2b230e86c966f81a5
Board of Revision - Mobile Filing Event
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
Monthly NAEH Advocacy Workshop
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
Board of Revision - Mobile Filing Event
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
2026 State of the Region
2026 State of the Region
By Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Follow
Hilton Columbus DowntownColumbus, OH
Friday, Mar 20 from 11 am to 1 pm
Overview
MORPC's State of the Region Luncheon brings together individuals to celebrate our community's accomplishments and address challenges.
MORPC's State of the Region is unique and significant in bringing together our region and state’s top political, business and civic leaders to celebrate our community’s accomplishments and address challenges.
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Hilton Columbus Downtown
Agenda:
11:00 a.m. - Networking
11:30 a.m. - Doors Open and Program Begins
1:00 p.m. - Closing remarks
INVOICING: To select to pay by invoice, click "Show other payment options" beneath the green "Order Now" button and then click "Pay Offline". Payment is due within 30 days after receiving the invoice or prior to the event.
Please make checks payable to: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and mail to: MORPC State of the Region111 Liberty Street, Ste. 100 Columbus, OH 43215
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be processed after March 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. After this time, ticket purchases are not refundable, but you may designate a substitute guest by contacting Amanda McEldowney at amceldowney@morpc.org.
Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-state-of-the-region-tickets-1976742926305?aff=oddtdtcreator
Resident Focus Group #1
Resident Focus Group #1
Register Today!
Resident Focus Group #1
March 17th, 6-7PM
IMPACT Community Action (711 Southwood Ave., Columbus, OH 43207)
Download the calendar invite here: Resident Focus Group #1.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. This focus gorup is intended to get specific input from residents regarding what they would like Columbus to create to support the improvement of buildings that they live and work in and the energy that they use.
Food and drink will be provided. Parking is available for free in the lot adjacent to the building.
Councilmember Ross' Community Listening Hours
Councilmember Ross' Community Listening Hours
Councilmember Tiara N. Ross - Housing Committee Chair - will host community listening hours to allow community members the opportunity to meet the councilmember, learn about her policy initiatives, share their ideas and more. Those planning to attend should RSVP here.
When and Where:
Wednesday, March 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Ground x Grind
1106-1108 E. Main St.
Columbus, OH 43205
Current and Future Strategies in Licking County
Join us on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 pm for a discussion on the current successes and future opportunities for Licking County's coordination in addressing homelessness. The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 50 North 2nd St., Newark, OH 43055.
Learn more at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/kUmVzg?vid=1otkvg
Innovations Designed to Deliver the Promise of Homeownership
At a time when rising costs and structural barriers continue to limit access to homeownership, innovative mortgage solutions are reshaping how capital reaches communities and who has the opportunity to build wealth.
In response to these challenges, the Housing Partnership Network created the Equitable Homeownership Collaborative (EHC), a coalition of mission-driven community development financial institutions. EHC members designed and implemented the Inspire100 mortgage, a financial product created for urban and rural communities alike.
Join us for a conversation exploring lessons learned from the initial phase of the Inspire100 pilot, including insights from practitioners, funders, and housing finance leaders. Speakers will share what it takes to design inclusive mortgage solutions and discuss opportunities to expand successful models so more communities can access sustainable pathways to homeownership.
Innovations Designed to Deliver the Promise of Homeownership
Innovations Designed to Deliver the Promise of Homeownership
Body
At a time when rising costs and structural barriers continue to limit access to homeownership, innovative mortgage solutions are reshaping how capital reaches communities and who has the opportunity to build wealth.
In response to these challenges, the Housing Partnership Network created the Equitable Homeownership Collaborative (EHC), a coalition of mission-driven community development financial institutions. EHC members designed and implemented the Inspire100 mortgage, a financial product created for urban and rural communities alike.
Join us for a conversation exploring lessons learned from the initial phase of the Inspire100 pilot, including insights from practitioners, funders, and housing finance leaders. Speakers will share what it takes to design inclusive mortgage solutions and discuss opportunities to expand successful models so more communities can access sustainable pathways to homeownership.
Opening Remarks
Sarah Rosen Wartell, President, Urban Institute
Robin Hughes, CEO, Housing Partnership Network
EHC Overview and Inspire100: The Challenges of Implementing the Inspire100 Pilot
Tucker Bartlett, Executive Vice President, Self Help
Janel Lawson, Senior Vice President of Single-Family Lending, Fahe
Meaghan McCarthy, Vice President of Affordable Housing and Consumer Empowerment, Housing Partnership Network
Brett Theodos, Director, Center for Local Finance and Growth, Urban Institute (moderator)
Implementation of the Inspire100 Mortgage: Challenges, Successes, and Next Steps
Michael Neal, Senior Fellow and Practice Area Lead, Housing Finance Policy Center, Urban Institute
Housing Finance and Its Mission
Alanna McCargo, Nonresident Fellow, Urban Institute
Michael Neal, Senior Fellow and Practice Area Lead, Housing Finance Policy Center, Urban Institute (moderator)
Scaling the Success of Inspire100: Opportunities and Challenges
Zoila Jennings, Lead Impact Investment Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Sam Valverde, Vice President of Mission and Engagement, Freddie Mac
Jon Mulkin, Chief Mortgage Officer, Hope Credit Union
Noel Poyo, Executive Vice President, Housing Partnership Network (moderator)
Board of Revision - Mobile Filing Event
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
City of Columbus Housing Workshop - Southeast
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
Affordability Challenges Reach Another Record High Even as Rental Market Cools
The number of renters with housing cost burdens reached another record high in 2024, with nearly half of renter households spending more than a third of their income on housing. More recently, rents for new leases show modest declines and vacancy rates are ticking up as new demand softens. In this shifting landscape, the pace of multifamily construction—while still elevated—is cooling amid tough economic headwinds. However, as rents continue to cut into lower-income renters’ budgets, reductions in federal safety net programs are forcing state and local governments to stretch limited funds to fill the gaps. Meanwhile, the nation’s aging rental stock also faces growing investment needs that threaten access to safe, affordable homes.
Learn more at: https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4j3vOhXkQFKkSWsyeUEHMg?utm_source=JCHS+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=59e9186400-America_s_Rental_Housing_2026_release_ev2_25_2026_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4d133ff35d-59e9186400-126611524#/registration
City of Columbus Housing Workshop - Northeast
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
City of Columbus Housing Workshop - Northwest
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
City of Columbus Housing Workshop - Southwest
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
Reynoldsburg Library: Free "United" Screening
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
AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCE FAIR
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
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.
LinkUS West Broad Corridor - Kickoff
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/
Glass Ceilings & Master Plans
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.
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
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
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
Board of Revision - Mobile Filing Event
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
Councilmember Ross Community Working Hours
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