Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, who both lack any kind original policy proposals while only handing out socially and economically counterproductive tax abatements for new housing, have once again co-opted a few more of my proposals.
Much as recently been made of Ginther and Hardin's $500 million Affordable Housing bond package and how they intend on allocating those funds.
On February 11, 2026, The Columbus Dispatch reported that "Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther's plans to spend $500 million in affordable housing bonds voters OK'd in November on unprecedented city land acquisition and the homeless shelter system, along with continuing to invest in affordable apartment construction."
On March 21, 2023 I presented my mayoral campaign State of the City Response of Mayor Ginther’s State of the City Address on the east patio of City Hall. My attached State of the City response was sent out to over 60 local media sources and individuals. Pages 4 and 5 outline my Affordable Housing proposal. Item 6 of my proposal states, “I will spend tax dollars to purchase land in and close to our urban job centers. I will give that land to non-profit housing developers and Community Development Corporations to build housing solely for those who have incomes of $45,000 and less. I will also use minority non-profit CDCs’ and other non-profit affordable housing developers who haven’t been corrupted by City Hall’s pay to play system.”
Unprecedented yes. His idea. NO. I suggested this nearly three years ago. But I guess I am supposed be grateful that city leaders are listening to my suggestions, but as usual they and the media fail to acknowledge them. This is a very common slight of other boots on the ground community activists and community leaders.
Ginther also states he will allocate $125 million towards "Investing in housing stability," which includes homeless shelters, transitional supportive housing, continued investment in permanent supportive housing.” Items 3, 6, 8 on Pages 9 and 10 of “Addressing our Unsheltered and Creating Transitional Housing” reads, “We will construct Tiny Home Communities consisting of perhaps 20-30 150 square foot units with each one containing a dorm style frig, wall heaters, cots with a mattress, fire extinguisher, and storage for clothing and necessities…” other suggestions are also presented. “The city of Columbus will construct its own warming centers. These facilities will be utilized for other purposes during off months”. “The City will partner with ADAMH to create a 24/7 Harm Reduction Shelter Center specifically designated for those who suffer from substance abuse disorders.”
