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Most Buckeye State residents understand Ohio has a big housing problem. For those seeking a house or apartment, the crisis is unavoidable. But state lawmaker are just getting around to a sense of urgency on the matter.
The Ohio Senate Select Committee on Housing released a report that includes 93 pages on "Housing Reimagined." According to WBNS, there are 23 recommendations for both short-term and long-term fixes.
"We can no longer be casual about this issue," said Committee Chair Sen. Michele Reynolds. "It is a priority and we need to make it a priority because we're facing challenges that are increasingly getting worse."
Ideas for tackling the crisis that has kept mortgage and rental rates high include creating a housing dashboard to increase transparency about pricing, rates, housing inventory and foreclosures; encouraging alternatives such as modular or tiny homes; reviewing consumer protections in the home-buying process; updating codes for renters and looking at property taxes and incentives for builders.
It's a great start, as long as lawmakers and other public officials keep up the momentum.
"Together we can build a future where every Ohioan has a place to call home," said state Sen. Hearcel Craig, D-Dist. 15, according to WBNS.
It's a wonderful thought. But it will take cooperation from everyone to see it actually happen.