Mahoning County commissioners and staff discussed a proposed 24-unit housing redevelopment for the Seventh Ward on Oct. 9 and asked county housing officials and the Youngstown Mahoning Housing Authority (YMHA) to meet and clarify whether project-based vouchers or tenant-based vouchers can support the development.

County staff and commissioners described a developer-backed plan that would pair private capital with state funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Officials said they had requested project-based vouchers — vouchers that attach to a property — but needed a formal letter from the housing authority to proceed. County staff told commissioners they had sent a certified letter and received a return receipt but had not received formal confirmation from YMHA.

A county staff member explained the difference between voucher types: tenant-based vouchers follow a resident and could become an obligation for the housing authority if tenants relocate, while project-based rental assistance stays with the property so the authority is not required to convert the assistance when residents move. "If an individual decided to move out of the building and go somewhere else in Mahoning County, then the housing authority would be on hook to also give that person a voucher," a county staff speaker said, describing why project-based assistance was preferable for the proposed development. Another county contact reported that, when staff reached the developer, the developer said funds for construction remained available from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

Commissioners asked staff to arrange a meeting that would include YMHA leadership, the mayor’s office and relevant council members. County staff and elected officials said they wanted clarity on voucher availability and on whether the housing authority could commit to a project-based allocation so the developer can move forward.

Clarifying details raised at the meeting: the proposal discussed involved 24 units; county staff had pursued project-based vouchers and sought a formal letter from YMHA; the Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding for construction was reported by county staff as still available. County officials said they had communicated with YMHA previously and requested meetings; commissioners asked staff to schedule a joint meeting with YMHA and the mayor’s office.

No formal allocation of vouchers or funding was approved at the Oct. 9 meeting; commissioners requested staff follow up and to convene YMHA and local officials for clarification.