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Dayton EDA tables decision on state affordable‑housing funds after discussion of options
Summary
At its July 21 meeting the Dayton Economic Development Authority discussed how to use two years of state Local Affordable Housing (LAHA) funds — $73,000 (2025) and $63,000 (2026) — but voted to table any action while staff and legal research options.
At its July 21 meeting the Dayton Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed how to spend state Local Affordable Housing (LAHA) funds but voted to postpone a decision to allow staff and legal counsel more time to research options.
Staff member said the city received $73,000 in LAHA funds in 2025 and $63,000 in 2026 and that those dollars must be spent within four years of receipt. Staff outlined three eligible spending categories under the program: emergency rental assistance, support for nonprofits that deliver affordable‑housing services, or capital uses such as acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition or financing for affordable housing projects.
"I'm gonna request that the EDA not take action right now, and allowing you a little bit more time to do some research," the Staff member said, urging the body to defer until more information is available.
An Agency official with experience using LAHA in other communities described a range of local uses in peer cities, from direct subsidies to nonprofit‑led mixed‑use projects to infrastructure work tied to affordable developments. "It's kind of a weird program. It lacks a lot of oversight, frankly," the Agency official said, describing examples where jurisdictions used LAHA for housing rehabilitation or to support mixed‑use projects that included affordable apartments.
EDA members debated whether to direct funds to a targeted single‑family rehabilitation request from CROS services or to design an open grant program for a broader set of projects. One Committee member said targeted awards are harder to oversee and preferred an open grant round; another said the EDA should consider case‑by‑case assistance when appropriate.
Committee member moved to table the LAHA decision pending additional staff research and legal review; another Committee member seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will research how peer cities used LAHA funds, seek legal input on program restrictions, and return with options for member consideration. The EDA did not adopt any spending plan at the July 21 meeting.
