Oxford accepts $1 million in ARPA subgrants for affordable housing; Habitat and Inclusive Housing Resources to build homes

Oxford City Council on Dec. 16 approved an amended subgrant agreement with Butler County to receive $1,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act state and local fiscal recovery funds for affordable housing infrastructure.

Assistant City Manager Green told council that the $1 million had been previously allocated by Butler County and that $500,000 is designated for Habitat for Humanity and $500,000 for a partnership between Inclusive Housing Resources and Empower Me. "$500,000 was allocated to Habitat and $500,000 was allocated to previously community development professionals project and have pivoted to Inclusive Housing Resources and Empower Me," Green said.

Green described timelines submitted by both groups: Habitat plans a phased infrastructure installation beginning in late January or early February with a goal of building the first 10 homes by summer and completing roughly 32 townhomes over two years; Inclusive Housing Resources and Empower Me are pursuing a planning commission review in January with a target to bring a package to council in February and begin infrastructure work in March, then build 16 micro homes (described as roughly 400–700 square feet, single‑family 1–2 bedroom units).

Councilors and staff discussed the fund timeline and the need for consistent revenue for the city’s affordable housing trust. Green noted all ARPA funds must be fully expended by Sept. 30, 2026. Council adopted the resolution by voice vote and later approved reallocating a returned $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity to cover cost overruns.

Next steps: Staff will continue to coordinate with Habitat and Inclusive Housing Resources as they move through planning, permitting and construction milestones; the city will report on use of the subgrant funds per Butler County requirements.