OHC commends OHFA on key updates in the second draft of the Ohio LIHTC SFY 2026 Guidelines—such as the increased credit cap and enhanced tiebreaker transparency—while offering targeted refinements to maximize program impact.

Highlights include:

• Geographic Equity: Recommendations to adjust tiebreaker metrics, swapping county and census tract measures and clarifying that "awards made" is the standard.
• Ohio Developer Preference: A proposed first-tier tiebreaker giving preference to projects with Ohio-based development teams to strengthen local capacity and economic benefits.
• Senior Housing Flexibility: Suggestions to broaden the amenities menu so developers can select features that best meet resident and site needs.
• Historic Credit Timing: A call to align SHPO Part II approval timing with established standards to reduce costs and risks for applicants.

OHC's letter to OHFA