Columbus City Council Approves Millions for Affordable Housing and Small Business Growth
Columbus, Ohio – In a move to address housing challenges and revitalize underserved communities, Columbus City Council approved two major investments on Monday aimed at expanding affordable housing options and empowering local entrepreneurs on the city’s west and east sides.
One initiative allocates $1.2 million to Hilltop Rise, a nonprofit organization championing economic development in the Hilltop neighborhood. The funding will convert two vacant buildings on West Broad Street into vibrant mixed-use spaces , featuring nine affordable housing units above and six storefronts for small businesses on the ground level.
“This is about uplifting the community, not changing its identity,” said Danny Peterson, Executive Director of Hilltop Rise. “We are committed to being a resource hub for future business owners, providing the tools they need to thrive.”
City leaders, including Councilmember Nick Bankston, view this as a critical step in addressing economic disparities in historically overlooked neighborhoods.
“Columbus is committed to investing in communities like the Hilltop, ensuring everyone shares in the city’s prosperity,” Bankston stated.
East Side Project Adds 85 New Modular Affordable Apartments
The Council also greenlit a $2 million investment into a large-scale affordable housing development on Maryland Avenue on the east side of Columbus. This project will deliver 85 modular apartment units, including 12 three-bedroom apartments for families.
Utilizing modular construction, which allows housing units to be built off-site and assembled on location, will cut down on both time and costs, according to Bankston.
“These units come pre-permitted with electrical and plumbing in place. it is like assembling Legos. It’s efficient and cost-effective,” he explained.
The total development cost is estimated at $29 million, funded through an affordable housing bond previously approved by voters. A new housing bond will appear on the November ballot, continuing Columbus’s mission to combat housing insecurity.
Community Response and Long-Term Impact
Local residents see the developments as a hopeful sign. Robert Pardon, who lives next to the Hilltop site, emphasized the urgent need.
“Rent keeps going up. There are so many homeless people, this could make a real difference,” he said.
These investments underscore Columbus’s strategy to foster equitable growth and ensure that long-neglected areas receive the resources they need to thrive.
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