Columbus City's $1.19 Billion Budget: A Bold Gesture Amidst a Deepening Housing Crisis

Columbus, Ohio – The announcement of Columbus City's historic $1.19 billion operating budget for 2024 by Mayor Andrew Ginther, who just secured a third term has set a new precedent in the city's fiscal policy. While the budget addresses key areas like public safety and youth programs, it's the $19.2 million allocation for affordable housing that's drawing intense scrutiny, especially against the backdrop of Columbus's escalating housing crisis.

Breaking Down the Budget

The budget allocates $753 million to neighborhood safety and $21 million to youth programs, reflecting a commitment to immediate community needs. However, the affordable housing allocation is seen as insufficient in the face of the growing housing challenges.

Columbus's Housing Market: A Closer Look

Columbus's housing market has been characterized by rapidly rising prices and a growing affordability gap. Key data points paint a concerning picture:

• Housing Price Surge: The median home price in Columbus has seen a significant increase over the past few years, outpacing both the state and national averages.

• Rent Hikes: The average rent in Columbus has also risen sharply, with some areas experiencing double-digit percentage increases year-over-year.

• Low Affordable Housing Stock: The city faces a deficit in affordable housing units. Reports suggest that for every 100 low-income households, there are only approximately 27 affordable and available rental units.

• Income vs. Housing Cost Disparity: The growth in median household incomes in Columbus has not kept pace with the rising housing costs, exacerbating the affordability crisis.

Joe Motil's Stance: A Stark Reality Check

Joe Motil, former Columbus Mayoral candidate criticizes Ginther's housing strategy, highlighting the inadequacy of the $19.2 million allocation for affordable housing, which he argues will only yield about 90 units.

“Ginther unconscionably deprived Columbus residents in need of truly affordable housing by not spending a dime to build a single truly affordable housing unit of taxpayers $187 million of American Rescue Plan dollars. His Housing Strategy revolves around Zoning Reform, Tax abatements in return for a meager number of set aside units, and a bond package that he has committed to spend $80 million towards what he calls “affordable housing” which might provide about 400 units” writes Motil in a statement to UnBossed! Columbus.

He points to the broader issues of record evictions, rising homelessness, and increasing property taxes, painting a grim picture of the housing landscape in Columbus.

Ginther's Vision Versus the Housing Reality

While Ginther's budget focuses on "Neighborhoods, neighborhoods, neighborhoods," critics argue that it lacks a robust strategy to address the long-term housing affordability issue. The budget's approach to affordable housing, especially in the context of the data surrounding Columbus's housing market, seems to fall short of addressing the crisis at hand.

Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Approach Needed

As the city council prepares to take on the budget, the affordable housing allocation will undoubtedly be a focal point. The council, along with other Central Ohio leaders, must consider whether the allocated funds are sufficient and explore additional, more impactful strategies to address the housing crisis effectively.

This budget marks a critical moment for Columbus, signaling a commitment to addressing key issues. However, the ability to provide a balanced and equitable living environment, particularly in terms of affordable housing, remains a significant challenge.

The decisions made today will not only shape the city's fiscal policy but also its commitment to social equity and the quality of life for its residents in the years to come.

The question remains: Is Ginther's budget a step forward, or is it merely a gesture in the face of a much deeper housing issue?