Efforts in Columbus to address the shortage in affordable housing appear to be making a difference, though the momentum must be maintained.

According to the 2025 Gap Report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, there is a deficit of 264,083 rental units that are affordable and available to the 438,108 extremely low-income households in the Buckeye State. That’s an improvement over last year, when the shortage was 267,382.

COHHIO Executive Director Amy Riegel called on the General Assembly to “maintain forward momentum by including the Home Matters to Ohio platform in the next budget bill.”

That platform seeks improvement in the Ohio Low Income Housing Tax Credit, fortification of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, strengthened local protections for tenants, local zoning reforms and other policies.

That’s a big ask. But lawmakers must not be overwhelmed. One piece at a time — in a way that both serves those in need of affordable housing AND allows lawmakers to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars — they can make a difference.