Housing Forward Columbus

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EVOLUTION PROPERTY GROUP AND COLUMBUS REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PRESENT

HOUSING FORWARD COLUMBUS

Connecting the People Who Advance Affordable Housing

When it comes to affordable housing, we know the WHY.

It’s Time to focus on the HOW.

Not just another event about the scarcity of affordable homes, Housing Forward Columbus will offer key decision-makers a rare opportunity to engage in candid discussions about how to make affordable feasible. This unique networking opportunity and expert panel presentation will provide insights that help design a more complete blueprint of what works – and what more could be done - to successfully build, finance, approve, support and operate affordable housing. 

Join us: Friday, October 23, 2026
               6–9 p.m. Cocktails at 6, Program starts at 7.
               The Little Grand Market | Upstairs Venue
               710 Grandview Crossing Way, Columbus, OH, 43215

Together, we can explore new partnerships and plumb tough questions, including:

CAN THE DEAL STILL PENCIL?

When public resources are oversubscribed and construction costs exceed revenues from restricted rents, who closes the gap? What other sources or approaches could be built into the financial foundation so otherwise viable projects succeed?

WHO HAS TO SAY YES AND HOW FAST?

Site control, zoning, variances, architectural reviews, safety inspections, financing approvals and community engagement rarely follow the same clock, and certainly not the initial intended timeline. Does the process produce a better project or does delay make the possible impossible?

WHEN SHOULD A COMMUNITY VOICE TRANSLATE INTO A COMMUNITY VETO?

Some questions from the community help spotlight and resolve key issues about design, density, traffic, schools, infrastructure and neighborhood impact. Other inquiries may be rooted in deep resistance to change or affordable housing and are not likely to lead to constructive compromise. How do you distinguish between the two, respond appropriately, educate meaningfully and still adhere to budgets and deadlines?

ARE PUBLIC RESOURCES DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S REALITY?

Do current incentives, tax credits, subsidies and local funding tools reflect the actual costs of land, labor, materials, financing and compliance or do they too often equal an unsolvable math problem? What new approaches or tools could make financially challenging deals viable?

ARE WE FINANCING OPENING DAY OR THE NEXT 30 YEARS?

A ribbon cutting is not the finish line. How should reserves, insurance, utilities, compliance, property management and capital needs be built into the deal so affordable housing remains viable for the long term?

FEATURED CONVERSATION

WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY TAKE TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN CENTRAL OHIO?

Kacia Grant
Ohio Department of Development

Sabrina Wayles
Homeport

Additional panelists to be announced.

CONVENING THE ECOSYSTEM -

Housing Forward Columbus will bring the full affordable housing ecosystem into one room:

• Developers and property owners
• Financial institutions, lenders and investors
• Government and public agencies
• Housing and community development organizations
• Property managers and service providers
• Resident-serving organizations
• Neighborhood and community partners

Because no single organization—and no single source of funding—can move housing from need to keys alone.

HOUSING IMPACT AWARD

Housing Forward Columbus will recognize Star House for its extraordinary contribution to housing and supporting young people experiencing homelessness. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Star House.

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES

• A candid, high-level industry conversation
• Meaningful connections across the housing ecosystem
• Appetizers
• Two drink tickets

TICKETS

Early Bird: $55 through September 18
Standard Admission: $65

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Presenting Sponsor — $5,000
Community/Housing Impact Sponsor — $3,000
Cocktail & Networking Sponsor — $2,000
Supporting Sponsor — $1,500
Exhibitor Table — $750, including two event tickets

RESERVE YOUR PLACE.
SPONSOR THE CONVERSATION.
HELP MOVE CENTRAL OHIO HOUSING FORWARD.

Register Now