AIA panel discusses housing challenges and NextHome2021 design competition

On Thursday, April 22, community leaders discussed the growing housing shortage in Central Ohio and brought attention to efforts being made to close the gap between needed housing units and current residential construction trends.

The virtual panel event, entitled Housing the Next Million, was hosted by AIA Columbus and moderated by Yanitza Brongers-Marrero, AIA, a Principal and the Director of Housing at Moody Nolan. Panelists included Leah Evans (Senior Vice President, Real Estate Development at Homeport), John Geha (CEO, Columbus Realtors), and Tre’ Giller (CEO and President, Donald R. Kenney and Company Realty).

Panelists put into context the escalating housing costs in Central Ohio through the perspective of builders and developers. With every increment of $1000 in the price of a Central Ohio home, there are 1,093 households that will no longer qualify for a standard mortgage loan. Ensuring that quality housing is available at a range of income levels is critical to supporting shared prosperity throughout Central Ohio.

Panelists discussed a variety of topics, including:

• Housing development

• Building and zoning modernization

• Local, state, and federal residential housing policies

The event also promoted NextHome:2021, a housing design competition launched on April 5 that seeks forward-thinking strategies and solutions that provide greater access to housing for everyone. Learn more on the the competition website, and register by May 21!

Missed the event? Watch the recording of the panel below, and let us know if you have ideas for future panel discussions!