OHC Urges Lawmakers to Remove OHFA Transfer from Budget Bill
OHC Urges Lawmakers to Remove OHFA Transfer from Budget Bill
Housing Council Warns of Financial, Operational, and Market Risks Without Public Review
In written testimony to the Senate Finance Committee, the Ohio Housing Council strongly opposed the proposed transfer of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) into the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), a provision included in Senate Sub. HB 96. OHC Executive Director Ryan Gleason outlined both the known strengths of OHFA’s current quasi-independent structure and the many unknowns surrounding the consequences of the proposed move—including its impact on bond ratings, mortgage lending, investor confidence, and the agency’s ability to respond quickly to market demands.
Gleason emphasized that such a sweeping structural change should not be included in a budget bill but should instead be addressed through a transparent, stand-alone process with public input and independent analysis. OHC called on the Committee to remove the provision and preserve stability in Ohio’s housing finance system.