Issues like high housing costs, increasing property taxes, and the costs of meeting the community standard for housing conditions make it difficult for many people to live or continue living in our community. The processes that lift the voices of the community often exclude low-income residents, people of color, unhoused people, and many other marginalized groups. Every one of these inequities leads to displacement, residents feeling unwelcome in community spaces and events, and a community that is divided instead of equitable and inclusive.

We at Ohio City Incorporated acknowledge that our organization, and the iterations that came before us, has unintentionally perpetuated many of these inequities in several ways, and that we have a responsibility to address them as part of our mission. This includes working with stakeholders such as residents from every part of the neighborhood, housed or unhoused, business and property owners, and organizations and institutions to collect and share information and resources. It also includes identifying ways of promoting new, and preserving existing, affordable housing options. Additionally, we must elevate the voices of those who have been left out of existing community processes without losing the community participation that already exists.