Ohio Housing Finance Agency

This document provides a general overview of the proposed 2026 9% Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in Ohio. Key focus areas include the regional distribution of LIHTC credits based on population, adjusting maximum LIHTC requests to align with the multifamily residential construction cost index, and maintaining specific funding pools for new affordability (general occupancy and senior), preserved affordability, and special housing needs. The plan proposes moving many previously scored items to threshold requirements and emphasizes three primary scoring categories: Neighborhood Opportunity Index, Housing Needs Index, and Annual LIHTC Request per LIHTC Unit. Additionally, it introduces a new set-aside for projects in Qualified Census Tracts contributing to community revitalization plans and implements county-specific award caps. The overall objective is to prioritize LIHTC projects in high-opportunity areas, address housing needs, and ensure the efficient and equitable use of tax credits while adapting to market conditions and ensuring long-term affordability.

This document outlines proposed changes to the 2026 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), specifically for the new affordability general occupancy funding pool. The plan introduces a regional distribution of credit ceilings across five Ohio regions and updates threshold criteria for unit composition (three or more bedrooms), 811 P participation, and Extremely Low Income (ELI) unit targeting, which will now be linked to a new Housing Needs Index. Building, unit, and lifestyle amenities are transitioning from scored to mandatory threshold items. The scoring methodology will prioritize projects based on a Neighborhood Opportunity Index (40%), a Housing Needs Index (35%), and the efficient use of tax credits (25%). The plan also details changes to set-asides and seeks feedback on funding priorities and tiebreakers to ensure equitable and effective allocation of resources.

The public hearing was held to discuss the 2026 Housing Development Gap Financing (HDGF) guidelines. Topics included the Appalachian set-aside, requirements for projects serving the chronically homeless population, and financial commitments from county ADAM boards and the Department of Behavioral Health. There were questions about the large non-PJ set-aside, the availability of the Kerwin Institute information, and an exception for the more than 50% of project costs for non-PAs. The discussion also covered maximum request amounts, eligibility requirements, and the use of tax credits.

The Audit Committee meeting included discussions and presentations on several key audits. The Audit Plan Summary for the next year was presented, with updates on the HOME Program Monitoring, Payroll Timekeeping System, and HUD Counseling audits. The committee discussed management's action plans for addressing deficiencies identified in these audits. Updates were provided on the 2013 Financial and Single Audit, as well as revisions to the Purchasing Credit Card. Staff continues to work on developing risk tolerance levels.

The committee discussed and recommended approval for various funding requests to the December Board, including the Avondale Revitalization Phase IA, CHN West, Collingwood Green, Emerald Alliance VIII, Harbor Town Senior Residence, Harrisburg Station, Majors Crossing, Notre Dame Apartments, Poindexter Place, and Van Buren Village PSH. Additionally, they reviewed Capital Improvement Program funding requests for 5th Street NW, Appleseed Housing, Briarwood CIP, Champaign County CIP, Columbiana County, Delaware County, Home Place Housing, Jefferson County, Neighborhood Properties, Inc., and New Sunrise. The committee also discussed R-TCAP Preservation funding requests for Franciscan Housing III and Franciscan Housing IV. Furthermore, they reviewed and recommended approval of the final draft of the Multifamily Underwriting Guidelines.