Affordable Housing Trust outlines strategy to tackle Columbus's housing crisis

In a gathering marked by a sense of urgency and community commitment, the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County (AHT) presented a compelling case for increased public investment in affordable housing during the Funding Review Advisory Committee Meeting on July 1, 2025. The meeting, held in the heart of Columbus, brought together key stakeholders, including AHT's CEO and president, who emphasized the critical role of stable housing in fostering community stability and economic mobility.

The CEO opened the meeting with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the AHT staff and board members, highlighting their dedication to addressing the region's housing challenges. He shared a personal anecdote about his son, who, during the pandemic, described his father's work as "doing dad's work" while participating in virtual meetings. This moment underscored the familial and community focus that drives AHT's mission.

As the discussion progressed, the CEO outlined three key points regarding AHT's legacy, its evolution in response to growing housing demands, and its vision for the future. Established in 2001 through a public-private partnership, AHT has financed over 300 projects, investing more than $520 million and creating or preserving over 14,000 homes. In the past year alone, AHT closed $70 million in loans, supporting nearly 1,900 housing units and generating significant regional economic impact.

However, the CEO painted a sobering picture of the current housing landscape, revealing that Franklin County issued only 7,300 housing permits in 2023, far below the estimated need of 17,000 to 19,000 annually. With projections indicating a need for over 200,000 housing units by 2035, the urgency for action is palpable. The CEO noted that for every 100 new jobs in the region, approximately 95 housing units are required to keep pace, yet the current supply is lagging.

To address this crisis, AHT is diversifying its funding sources, including federal grants and philanthropic investments, and has established two structured revolving loan funds aimed at increasing the scale of affordable housing projects. The CEO emphasized that with an additional $10 million per year in public investment, AHT could support over 6,000 affordable housing units, significantly increasing the region's capacity to meet its housing needs.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging collaboration among community organizations and stakeholders to implement targeted investment strategies. By aligning housing financing with economic development planning, AHT aims to create a more equitable and sustainable housing ecosystem in Columbus and Franklin County. As the region grapples with the pressing issue of housing affordability, the commitment to finding scalable solutions remains a beacon of hope for families and communities alike.