OHC members share serious concerns about a provision in the Senate version of House Bill 96 that would eliminate the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s status as an independent agency and fold it into the Ohio Department of Development.

Key Points from Testimony to the Ohio Senate Finance Committee:

• OHFA’s Independence Is Critical to Project Success: Stakeholders emphasized that OHFA’s current structure allows for consistent, specialized administration of complex financing tools like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Disrupting this structure would create unnecessary uncertainty and delay.
• Recent Improvements Undercut the Need for Reorganization: Multiple organizations pointed to new leadership under Executive Director Bill Beagle and recent structural improvements—such as increased legislative oversight—as evidence that OHFA is already becoming more efficient and responsive.
• A Merger Could Jeopardize Housing Production: Lenders and developers warned that moving OHFA into the Department of Development would insert new layers of bureaucracy and risk violating terms of bond and tax credit agreements. The result could be stalled or canceled developments.
• Investors and Partners Need Stability: Testimony highlighted the risk of eroding investor confidence in Ohio’s affordable housing pipeline—particularly in LIHTC projects—at a time when the state is trying to expand housing options.
• No Stakeholder Engagement on the Proposal: Several testified that neither OHFA nor housing practitioners were consulted about this structural change. This mirrors the lack of engagement seen with other recent housing initiatives.
• Support for Transparency and Accountability Already Exists: The addition of legislators to OHFA’s Board, along with regular reporting to the General Assembly, provides robust oversight without compromising the agency’s efficiency or focus.

Full testimony submitted to the Ohio Senate Finance Committee is available here:

• Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate
• CHN Housing Partners
• NeighborWorks Collaborative of Ohio
• Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing