Why Columbus Must Say “Yes” to Affordable Housing Bonds

I grew up in Warren, Ohio at a time when industry was bustling — car manufacturing and steel mills — but no more. Warren has been declining since I left high school for OSU.

I’ve walked through neighborhoods that were once thriving and now struggle. I’ve seen this in both Warren and Columbus, but for different reasons. Unlike Warren, Columbus is growing. The question is how will we grow.

As someone who has spent years working in housing and community development here in Columbus, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that safe, affordable housing makes in people’s lives. I’ve worked on projects that stabilize neighborhoods, create opportunities for families to build wealth, and ensure seniors and working families can stay in the communities they call home. I’ve also seen what happens when we don’t invest — families pushed out, neighborhoods fragmented, and opportunities lost.

That’s why I’m urging my neighbors to vote YES on the City of Columbus affordable housing bonds.

This isn’t about politics for me. It’s personal. I’ve seen too many people pushed out of the communities they helped build — teachers, seniors, young families, people who work every day but can’t afford to live near their jobs. Columbus is growing fast, but if we don’t make room for everyone, we’ll lose the heart of what makes this city special.

Affordable housing bonds are one of the smartest tools we have. They help fill the funding gaps so good projects can get built — projects that create homes regular people can actually afford. And every dollar raised through this bond turns into real impact — leveraging millions more from the private sector and helping to create jobs in construction, architecture, and neighborhood services. It’s a local solution that keeps wealth circulating in our own communities.

Columbus is at a crossroads. We can either keep growing in a way that leaves people behind, or we can choose to grow together — with intention and compassion. For me, the choice is clear. I urge my colleagues, neighbors, and anyone who cares about the future of our city to join me in voting YES for affordable housing.

Our city — and the people who call it home — deserve nothing less.

— Lark Mallory, Housing and Community Development Professional