The Middle Matters

Housing the backbone of Ohio. 

The State of Ohio thrives because of its teachers, nurses, first responders, data center workers, countless essential workers, and their families. Quality of life should include access to creative design and integrated technology, enabled by innovative financing. Too often, the very people who strengthen our communities are priced out. That’s why the Ohio Housing Innovation Partnership (OHIP) works to support housing that keeps essential workers connected, supported, and rooted in the communities they strengthen. OHIP unites proven leaders to change the narrative, building opportunity and stability for Ohio’s middle-income workforce and seniors for the long-term.  

Connect with OHIP
Connect with OHIP
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Why the middle matters. 

Missing middle-income families – those earning 60-120% of the area median income (AMI) – are the backbone of Ohio. They teach our kids, respond to emergencies, and drive our economy forward. Rising costs are putting quality housing out of reach.

The “missing middle” is where OHIP steps in. By centering our work on long-term stability for middle-income households, we’re ensuring that the people who anchor Ohio’s success can also call it home.

A man with glasses and a denim jacket is smiling and carrying two young children, one on his shoulders and one held in his arms, in a backyard with trees and a white picket fence.

OHIP’s role in the continuum of housing.

Housing exists across a range – from emergency shelters to luxury homes. Somewhere in the middle lies a critical affordability gap. Workforce housing meets the needs of those who earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing, yet not enough to compete in the market.

OHIP operates to close the gap for the long-term. With deep local ties and national experience, OHIP combines statewide knowledge with tested models from across the country like the Austin Housing Conservancy (now the Texas Housing Conservancy). We bring together socially responsible investors, developers, nonprofits, and municipalities to unlock housing that is both attainable and sustainable. When we’re laser-focused here, we strengthen the entire continuum and keep Ohio’s workforce connected to its communities.

HOUSING CONTINUUM

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Partners in purpose.

We understand Ohio’s housing challenges because our work and experience have shaped our expertise. We’re able to craft long-term solutions that ensure essential workers can continue to live, work and flourish here, at home. 

We can’t solve housing alone. That’s why OHIP is building a coalition of talented developers, nonprofits, lenders, foundations, socially responsible investors, and government leaders focused on one concrete mission: housing the backbone of Ohio.

As a united front, we’re creating innovative pathways that give power to the middle—because the middle matters. 

Thank you to our generous donors:

Hear what our partners are saying.

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with long dark hair and wearing a red top, outdoors with a blurred background.

    Erin Boyd, Head of Business Development, CULDESAC

    “Culdesac’s work in Tempe and Atlanta shows that great housing starts with people, not cars. The Ohio Housing Innovation Partnership is helping lead the way toward more walkable and innovative communities in Ohio.”

  • Smiling man in a dark blue suit, light blue shirt, green and white plaid tie, and with a small lapel pin, against a gray background.

    William Murdock, AICP, Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission"

    “We consider OHIP as aligned with the recommendations of MORPC’s Regional Housing Strategy and an important addition to increase the availability of affordable housing for working families and seniors in Central Ohio.”

  • Headshot of a smiling middle-aged man wearing a checkered blazer and a blue striped dress shirt against a plain background.

    David Steinwedell, Chairman and Founder, Texas Housing Conservancy

    “OHIP is a great example of local leadership developing housing solutions that meet the needs of local citizens.  Creating and preserving workforce and senior housing is essential to a vital community.”

  • Professional headshot of a middle-aged African American man in a dark suit, white shirt, and light pink tie, smiling against a gray background.

    Ian Labitue, President + CEO, Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus + Franklin County

    “The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County (AHT) strongly supports OHIP’s focus on housing affordability for working families and seniors. We look forward to partnering on data-driven, outcome-focused projects and programs that meaningfully impact residents’ lives and increase economic mobility in our community.”

Connect with OHIP
Connect with OHIP