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Xenia council backs application for new state housing grant to speed Market District housing
Summary
City staff recommended applying for up to $1.8 million from the state Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program to accelerate residential phases of the Market District; council voted to support the application with the mayor recording an abstention.
City Manager Merriman told the council the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program, created in Ohio’s 2025 biennium budget, awards competitive grants statewide to support housing near major economic projects. The city is requesting just over $1.8 million to pay for on‑site utilities, earthwork and paving for the Market District’s residential phases, Merriman said.
Merriman said the REDD program awards between $250,000 and $2.5 million to projects of at least 100 housing units and that the Market District’s residential component—about 296 planned units—would align with the grant's density and proximity criteria. "The grant funding would expedite the residential components...and free up developer and city resources for future phases," Merriman said.
Merriman noted the grant does not mandate an affordability threshold; scoring favors denser developments and public assistance for fees, studies or infrastructure. The January 16 application deadline was cited in staff materials; funds, if awarded, must be spent by Jan. 31, 2027.
Council moved to support Resolution 2026‑002 authorizing the city to apply for the REDD grant. The motion carried on a roll call vote; Mayor Reynolds recorded an abstention. Staff said no local match is required for the application and that staff will document city contributions to the Market District in the application.
If awarded, the grant would be used for site preparation and infrastructure for the Market District's residential phases; the city will report back to council on the outcome of the application process.
