Affordable Housing Trust leaders address development gaps in housing for low-income groups

The Funding Review Advisory Committee Meeting #4 held on July 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, focused on critical discussions surrounding affordable housing development in the region. Key speakers emphasized the urgent need for developers specializing in housing for low-income families, particularly those earning between 0 to 30% of the area median income.

One prominent speaker highlighted the absence of developers in this income bracket, noting that while set-asides for affordable housing are important, they alone will not resolve the ongoing housing crisis. The speaker pointed out that the federal government previously supported such developers but has since withdrawn, leaving a significant gap in the market. This gap, they argued, must be addressed to enable existing developers to operate more effectively and meet housing demands.

The meeting also featured presentations from Ian Labatou, president and CEO of the Affordable Housing Trust, and Brian McClellan, controller at the Affordable Housing Trust. They were invited to discuss innovative financial strategies and the importance of public service in addressing housing challenges. Committee members were encouraged to engage with the presenters, with the expectation of follow-up questions to further explore the topics discussed.

Overall, the meeting underscored the necessity for targeted development efforts in affordable housing and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to find viable solutions. The discussions are expected to inform future initiatives aimed at improving housing accessibility for low-income residents in Columbus and Franklin County.