SitemapMahoning Valley leaders welcomed an announcement late Friday afternoon that Youngstown and Warren were awarded more than $3.3 million in state funds to support the development of workforce housing in the two cities.
Youngstown will receive $2.5 million and Warren will get $851,000 from the Residential Economic Development District program, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced Friday. The state awarded more than $9 million in grants to support the creation of workforce housing in five communities.
“As our economy grows and more opportunities are created across the state, investing in workforce housing ensures that the people powering Ohio’s success can live and thrive in the communities they serve,” DeWine said in a news release announcing the grants. “The investments Ohio is making through the REDD program will help more hard-working families put down roots and build brighter futures.”
The REDD program was introduced by state Sen. Michele Reynolds in the state’s biennial budget bill, House Bill 96. The bill was signed into law last year.
“Ohio’s economic momentum is creating opportunities in communities all across our state. That growth brings the need for more housing to ensure people have a place to call home,” Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said. “Programs like this help ensure our communities are prepared to meet the moment and create the housing needed to support this incredible growth.”
The REDD program provided up to $10 million in grants this fiscal year, followed by roughly $15 million in fiscal year 2027, to help communities expand housing opportunities close to major economic development projects. Both projects will support housing demand created by investments from Ultium Cells and other regional economic development projects, according to the state news release.
The grant to Youngstown will support the development of up to 220 workforce housing units through an infill housing initiative, collaboration between Youngstown, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., Mercy Health Youngstown and other community partners, according to the release.
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