Sen. Reynolds introduces bill to rename state development agency, create housing dashboard and toolkit

Senator Michelle Reynolds, chair of the Senate Committee on Housing, introduced Senate Bill 145, saying the measure would rename the Ohio Department of Development to the Ohio Department of Housing and Development and elevate housing as a central state priority. "Ohio welcomes housing," Reynolds said, arguing the change would signal the state's commitment to coordinated housing policy.

The bill would direct the newly named department to strengthen coordination among housing programs, community planning and economic development; create an Ohio housing dashboard to provide real-time data on housing needs and progress; and establish an Ohio housing toolkit to help local governments and developers navigate regulations and accelerate projects. Reynolds said the Ohio Housing Finance Agency would continue to deliver tax credits and homebuyer assistance while the department would expand financial assistance for construction, rehabilitation, emergency housing needs and refinancing.

Reynolds also said the bill would require annual reporting to set clear accountability for progress. The sponsor described the measure as reflecting recommendations compiled after committee members traveled the state and heard concerns about rising costs, limited supply and barriers to homeownership.

The committee asked about the bill's fiscal impact. Reynolds said a fiscal analysis (IPAS) exists and that building a public dashboard would require funding, though she said much of the underlying data is already collected and that staff would provide additional fiscal details to the committee.

The committee did not take a vote on the bill during the hearing; sponsor testimony concluded with an invitation for follow-up and further discussion.