The Ohio Department of Development has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at expanding affordable housing near major economic development zones. The Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Program, established through state legislation and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, will distribute $25 million in grant funding to support communities in developing housing infrastructure close to job centers. n nThe funding will be allocated in two phases: approximately $10 million during Fiscal Year 2026 and an additional $15 million in Fiscal Year 2027. Applications for the first round will open at 10 a.m. on December 16 and close at 5 p.m. on January 16, 2026. n nEligible applicants include local governments located within 20 miles of a qualifying economic project. These entities can apply for grants to improve housing-related infrastructure, enhance public safety, strengthen community services, or finance new residential construction. Collaborative applications are permitted, allowing local governments to partner with housing developers, port authorities, regional planning commissions, or intergovernmental councils. n nGovernor DeWine emphasized the importance of aligning housing availability with economic growth, stating that the success of new business investments depends on adequate residential capacity. Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development, highlighted that the program empowers communities to build stronger neighborhoods where residents can live, work, and raise families. n nTo assist potential applicants, the Department will host a detailed webinar on November 19 at 10 a.m., offering guidance on the application process and answering questions. n nFurther information about the REDD Program and other economic development initiatives can be found at development.ohio.gov. n— news from irontontribune.com
— News Original —nDevelopment releases guidelines for new $25M Residential Economic Development District ProgramnApplication period opens Dec. 16 n nCOLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Development on Thursday released guidelines for a new program designed to support workforce housing near major economic development projects. n nThe 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. n n“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.” n nThe program, which will give more Ohioans the chance to find affordable, high-quality homes near their place of employment, will provide approximately $10 million in grant funding in Fiscal Year 2026, followed by roughly $15 million in Fiscal Year 2027. 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. n nLocal 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. n nEligible 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. n n“Ohio is committed to building stronger, thriving neighborhoods where people want to live, work, and raise their families,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, said. “The REDD Program is another way we’re empowering communities to succeed by helping them grow their housing, infrastructure, and economic potential.” n nDevelopment will host a webinar at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 to present the guidelines in detail and allow potential applicants to ask any questions. n nThe Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.