COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Development on Wednesday released guidelines for a new program designed to support workforce housing near major economic development projects.
The Residential Economic Development District Program, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in the state’s biennium budget bill and signed by Gov. Mike DeWine earlier this year, allocates a total of $25 million in grant funding to help communities expand housing opportunities close to where jobs are growing.
“When new businesses come to Ohio, our communities need the housing and infrastructure to match that growth,” DeWine said. “The REDD Program is a smart investment that keeps Ohio competitive and attractive to both our workforce and the industries that employ it.”
The program will provide approximately $10 million in grant funding in fiscal year 2026, followed by roughly $15 million in fiscal year 2027. The Ohio Department of Development will begin accepting applications for this fiscal year at 10 a.m. Dec . 16. Applications will close at 5 p.m. Jan. 16, 2026.
Local governments located within 20 miles of a major project will be able to apply for funding to expand housing-related infrastructure, strengthen public safety and community services or provide capital to support new housing development.
Eligible entities may also apply in collaboration with a housing developer, port authority, council of government, regional planning commission or with one or more other local governments.
“Ohio is committed to building stronger, thriving neighborhoods where people want to live, work and raise their families,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The REDD Program is another way we’re empowering communities to succeed by helping them grow their housing, infrastructure and economic potential.”
More information about the program can be found HERE.
The Ohio Department of Development will host a webinar at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 to present the guidelines in detail and allow potential applicants to ask questions.
Pictured at top: Photo via Ohio Department of Development.