Mayor Andrew J. Ginther is taking concrete steps to tackle the housing instability crisis in Columbus by introducing legislation to create a new Division of Housing Stability. This move is part of the city's efforts to improve tenant protections and address the region's housing challenges. According to an announcement from the city's official website, this move is set to advance a significant aspect of Ginther's housing strategy, which was highlighted in his 2025 State of the City address.
The proposed division, backed by a $525,000 allocation, seeks to ensure housing stability through tenant engagement, eviction prevention, and the enforcement of fair housing policies, alongside Mayor Ginther's statement obtained by the Columbus Government website highlighted the urgency "to protect the stability and dignity of all of our neighbors – and we are.” Especially noteworthy is the city’s recent $1.475 million collaboration with Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, which is set to bolster legal support for low-income tenants facing eviction in the courtroom; these efforts illustrate the city's commitment to making these support systems more robustly present before a housing crisis hits.
The Division aims to establish a firm infrastructure for housing stability, giving access to legal counsel for at-risk low-income tenants, enforcing the city's Relocation Assistance Code to aid tenants under emergency vacate orders, and strengthening the investigation of fair housing discrimination complaints. Michael Stevens, director of the Department of Development, told the Columbus Government news release, “By standing up the Division of Housing Stability, we are building a lasting infrastructure that connects tenants with resources, strengthens accountability and fosters more prosperous and secure neighborhoods across our city.”
Backing the creation of the new division is Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, who personally witnessed the benefits of such tenant protections when a close relative faced eviction, noting the impact of legal assistance in navigating the complexities of resource allocation to prevent homelessness; affirming that the new Division of Housing Stability will extend its staff and resources ensuring families receive necessary protections. Since 2019, Columbus has made strides in housing, with over 31,000 residential building permits issued and more than 6,800 new income-qualified affordable housing units made available through both voter-approved bonds and the expansion of the Community Reinvestment Area program, demonstrating a commitment to tackling its housing supply crisis.
The legislation for establishing the Division of Housing Stability is scheduled for its first reading before the City Council on May 19. This marks an important step in this latest initiative’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of Columbus’ inclusive and actionable housing affordability and stability strategy. If passed, the creation of this division will cement the city's commitment to shelter as a fundamental right, backed by the necessary infrastructure to achieve this goal.
