By Bridget Doherty
Bridget.Doherty@hamiltoncountyohio.gov
Hamilton County Commissioners have approved a $2 million expansion to their historic investment in affordable housing initiatives. This latest commitment increases the County’s overall housing strategy to nearly $50 million including a partnership with the Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF) under the Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, which now totals $36.4 million.
In an effort to support sustainability along with affordability, commissioners are also reserving $1 million of this investment for the potential inclusion of tiny homes as part of the County’s affordable housing strategy. A feasibility analysis will be conducted in early 2025 to determine whether tiny homes present a realistic and sustainable solution to Hamilton County’s housing challenges, particularly with veterans.
“Hamilton County remains deeply committed to addressing the growing need for affordable housing- especially among seniors, people with disabilities, returning citizens and veterans,” said Alicia Reece, President of the Board of County Commissioners. “By expanding our funding and exploring innovative approaches like tiny homes, we’re working to ensure more families have access to stable and affordable housing options.”
The results of the feasibility study will be presented to the Board in the second quarter of 2025, after which the Commissioners will determine next steps.
This expansion builds on Hamilton County’s use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. The Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, managed by CDF, aligns multiple public and private funding sources to drive impactful, coordinated investments into the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing units throughout the County.
“We are grateful for the commissioners’ continued support of this innovative public-private partnership. This new investment in the Affordable Housing Leverage Fund strategically bolsters our effort to bring quality, affordable housing to as many residents of our County as possible,” said Luke Blocher, Chief Strategy Officer, Cincinnati Development Fund.
Key Highlights of the Investment:
- Historic County Housing Commitment is nearly $50 million including:
- Affordable Housing Funding with CDF: Increased to $36.4 million. Of which, $1 million reserved for Tiny Homes pending feasibility analysis in 2025.
- $5 million in homeless prevention
- $6.5 million in mortgage assistance
- $1.3 million in home repair programs
Affordable Housing Results to Date:
- $21.9 million in awards is being deployed to create or preserve 745 units of affordable housing (516 units of new affordable housing + 229 units of renovated/preserved housing)
- 69 units of single-family homes
- 36 units dedicated to residents with developmental disabilities
- 173 units will be for seniors
- Four projects awarded to smaller developers