On behalf of OHC, Executive Director Ryan Gleason presented testimony on HB 96, highlighting key points to strengthen the Ohio Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (OLIHTC) program:

Background & Context

OHC detailed the origins and unique funding mechanism of the federal LIHTC, emphasizing how the credit’s structure leverages private sector oversight while minimizing annual fiscal impact.

Current Challenges

• Despite a robust pipeline of potential projects, current credits fall short of meeting statewide affordable housing demand.
• Developers face uncertainty with the program’s impending sunset at the end of fiscal year 2027, limiting long-term investments.

Key Recommendations

• Increase Tax Credit Allocation: Urged an increase in the annual tax credit authorization, recommending a raise to $200 million per year to tap into the existing demand.
• Extend Program Duration: Called for an extension of the program’s life to 2031, providing developers with the certainty needed to commit to long-term projects.
• Broader Impact: Expanding and extending OLIHTC will drive local economic growth, stabilize the workforce, and support community revitalization—all critical in addressing Ohio’s housing crisis.

Gleason's testimony underscored the bipartisan benefits of a robust affordable housing program and its essential role in spurring economic development across the state.

Gleason Testimony before Ohio House Development Committee