Franklin County Commissioners Approve $13 Million in Housing, Anti-Poverty Funding

COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 3, 2026) — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved more than $13 million in funding agreements aimed at reducing poverty, creating affordable housing and combating homelessness, while also advancing several infrastructure projects across the county.

The board voted 3-0 to authorize a $2.5 million grant to the Rise Together Innovation Institute to support its strategic roadmap for reducing poverty. Commissioners also approved a $4 million funding agreement with the Affordable Housing Trust to expand home ownership and rental housing opportunities, though Commissioner Boyce abstained from that vote without explanation.

The largest single allocation, $6,260,364, went to the Community Shelter Board to fund shelter, housing and prevention services aimed at decreasing homelessness. That measure passed unanimously.

In a separate action, the board awarded $300,000 to Legal Aid of Southeastern and Central Ohio for its Tenant Advocacy Project, which provides free legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction. Kate McGarvey, Legal Aid’s executive director, told commissioners that in 2025 the program served 1,539 clients, impacting 287 adults and 1,871 minors.

“Having an attorney in eviction proceedings leads to more people staying in their homes, and we know this changes both the trajectory of their lives and of the community,” McGarvey said.

She cited a Stout report finding that without legal representation, 93% of tenants are at high risk of experiencing disruptive displacement, but with Legal Aid’s help, only 18% are. The study also found that for every $1 invested in eviction representation, the city and county see a return of $4 in economic benefits.

The meeting began with a recognition of the Merry Makers Club, a private social club founded in 1926 by Black graduates of Columbus East High School, on its 100th anniversary. The club, limited to 35 members, has endowed scholarships at Ohio State University, Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus State Community College, and is halfway to its goal of raising $1 million.

Commissioners also unanimously adopted several infrastructure resolutions, including a $94,475 contract with Walport Incorporated for GIS building outline data set enhancement services. The board approved the first legislative step for altering and widening Douglas Granville Road (State Route 161) and Linworth Road in Perry Township, Columbus and Worthington.

Two resolutions related to the Zuber Road Plum Run drainage improvements in Pleasant and Jackson Townships were adopted, one for a negotiated settlement of $8,489 and another for eminent domain proceedings totaling $8,131. The board also authorized compensation for a property owner after a successful settlement of eminent domain proceedings for a roundabout project at Walnut Street and New Albany Condit Road.

The board appointed James Leiser to the Franklin County Planning Commission as a township representative for a term ending Dec. 31, 2028.

Key moments

Significant

Rise Together Innovation Institute grant discussion

Commissioner Boyce challenged the institute to 'move the needle' on poverty and promised a 'very hard evaluation' of outcomes.

Significant

Legal Aid Tenant Advocacy Project presentation

Kate McGarvey reported that with legal representation only 18% of tenants face disruptive displacement versus 93% without, and every $1 invested returns $4 in economic benefits.

Public interest

Women's History Month recognition

Commissioners recognized Women's History Month, with Commissioner Boyce noting the influence of women in his life and Commissioner Crowley highlighting the courage of female leaders.

Public interest

Merry Makers Club 100th anniversary recognition

The Merry Makers Club, founded in 1926, was honored for a century of service; they are halfway to a $1 million scholarship endowment goal.

Significant

Eminent domain for Zuber Road drainage

Engineer's office reported that one property owner could not be negotiated with, requiring eminent domain proceedings for the Plum Run drainage project.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

Franklin County (OH) Board of Commissioners — 2026-03-03

Meeting Information

Title: General Session - March 3, 2026

Parish: Franklin County (OH) Board of Commissioners

Date: 2026-03-03

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 1826

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
GIS Building Outline Data Enhancement Contract	Resolution 116-26 authorizing a contract with Walport Incorporated for GIS building outline data set enhancement services using non-general funds in the amount of $94,475.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
State Route 161/Linworth Road Intersection Improvement	Resolution 117-26 declaring necessary the alteration and widening of Douglas Granville Road (SR 161) and Linworth Road in Perry Township, Columbus, and Worthington.	Adopted unanimously as first legislative step.	3-0
Zuber Road Plum Run Drainage Improvements – Compensation Reports	Resolutions 118-26 and 119-26 establishing compensation for property owners abutting the Zuber Road Plum Run drainage improvements in Pleasant and Jackson Townships. 118-26 for negotiated settlement ($8,489); 119-26 for eminent domain proceedings ($8,131).	Both adopted unanimously.	3-0 each
Walnut Street/New Albany Condit Road Roundabout Settlement	Resolution 120-26 authorizing compensation for a property owner after successful settlement of eminent domain proceedings for a roundabout project at Walnut Street and New Albany Condit Road.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Rise Together Innovation Institute Grant Agreement	Resolution 126-26 authorizing a $2.5 million grant agreement with the Rise Together Innovation Institute to support their strategic roadmap for reducing poverty.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Affordable Housing Trust Funding Agreement	Resolution 139-26 authorizing a $4 million funding agreement with the Affordable Housing Trust to create more affordable home ownership and rental housing.	Adopted with Commissioner Boyce abstaining.	2-0-1
Community Shelter Board Funding Agreement	Resolution 140-26 authorizing a $6,260,364 funding agreement with the Community Shelter Board to decrease homelessness through shelter, housing, and prevention services.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0
Legal Aid Tenant Advocacy Project Funding	Resolution 141-26 authorizing a $300,000 funding agreement with Legal Aid of Southeastern and Central Ohio to support the Tenant Advocacy Project, which provides free legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction.	Adopted unanimously.	3-0

$94,475 for GIS building outline data enhancement (non-general funds).
$2.5 million grant to Rise Together Innovation Institute.
$4 million to Affordable Housing Trust from permissive conveyance fees.
$6,260,364 to Community Shelter Board from permit fees and general fund.
$300,000 to Legal Aid for Tenant Advocacy Project.
$200,000 contract with Paul Worth Associates for communication services (reduced from $300,000).
$161,354.11 modification for Motorola CAD system.
$115,000 in juvenile justice subgrants.
$39,462 modification to Nationwide Children's Hospital contract.
$30,000 subgrant to Ohio State University for youth development program.
Bulk purchase orders: $3,286,128.82 (86 POs), $5,425,754.88 (139 POs), $31,688.39 (4 POs), $14,236.64 (5 POs).

Public Concerns: none noted.

Contentious Discussions: none noted.

Auditor

Contract with Walport Incorporated for GIS building outline data enhancement services approved ($94,475).

Engineer

Resolution 117-26: State Route 161/Linworth Road intersection improvement declared necessary.
Resolution 118-26: Compensation for Zuber Road drainage property owner negotiated ($8,489).
Resolution 119-26: Eminent domain proceedings for Zuber Road property owner ($8,131).
Resolution 120-26: Settlement for Walnut Street roundabout property owner ($50,021).
Resolution 121-26: Re-subdivision of Havens Farm and Colts Neck lots approved.

Prosecuting Attorney

Contract with Paul Worth Associates for communication services approved ($200,000).

Sheriff

Contract modification with Motorola Solutions for CAD system approved ($161,354.11).

Office on Aging

Resolution 124-26: Final extension of MOU with Grove City for case management services approved.
Resolution 125-26: First extension of MOU with Jewish Family Services for case management services approved.

Office of Management and Budget

Resolution 126-26: Grant agreement with Rise Together Innovation Institute approved ($2.5 million).
Resolution 139-26: Funding agreement with Affordable Housing Trust approved ($4 million).
Resolution 140-26: Funding agreement with Community Shelter Board approved ($6,260,364).
Resolution 141-26: Funding agreement with Legal Aid for Tenant Advocacy Project approved ($300,000).

Economic Development and Planning

Resolution 127-26: Annexation of 0.2 acres from Franklin Township to Columbus approved.
Resolution 128-26: Annexation of 2.2 acres from Norwich Township to Hilliard approved.

Economic Engagement and Community Development

Resolution 129-26: Grant agreement with East Central Province for community impact initiative approved ($300,000).

Justice Policy and Programs

Resolution 130-26: Subgrant to Mental Health America of Ohio for peer recovery event approved ($2,500).
Resolution 131-26: Four subgrants for juvenile justice programming approved ($115,000 total).
Resolution 132-26: Modification to Nationwide Children's Hospital contract approved ($39,462).
Resolution 133-26: No-cost extension for Ohio State University opioid settlement grant approved.
Resolution 134-26: Subgrant to Ohio State University for youth development program approved ($30,000).

Purchasing

Resolution 135-26: 86 purchase orders approved ($3,286,128.82).
Resolution 136-26: 139 purchase orders approved ($5,425,754.88).
Resolution 137-26: 4 purchase orders approved ($31,688.39).
Resolution 138-26: 5 purchase orders approved ($14,236.64).

Board of Commissioners

Resolution 142-26: James Leiser appointed to Franklin County Planning Commission.

County administrator to execute contract with Paul Worth Associates for communication services.
Office on Aging to finalize MOU extensions with Grove City and Jewish Family Services.
Rise Together Innovation Institute to finalize strategic roadmap and provide transparent reporting.
Engineer's office to proceed with eminent domain for Zuber Road property.
Purchasing department to process approved purchase orders.
Clerk's office to journalize contracts signed under delegated authority.