Quality, attainably-priced housing is a challenge throughout Ohio. The Williams County Port Authority has developed an innovative approach to producing new homes that are selling for less than $200,000.
Housing Is Economic Development
Williams County, Ohio’s most northwestern county, has a large manufacturing presence. Local leaders and employers have realized that stable, attainably-priced housing, leads to stable workforces and more opportunities for additional economic development in the region.
Facing a shortage of attainably priced housing, WCPA stepped up.
WCPA Tackles Housing Needs by Serving as a Developer
In 2022, WCPA began fundraising for contributions from county commissioners, employers, and community leaders who have cited housing as one of their primary workforce issues. Employers in the region have pledged $800,000 over a three year period.
With these funds, the Williams County Port Authority has developed 16 houses, which typically sell for between $158,000-$170,000. Although the Port’s aim is to maintain affordability, they decided not utilize income restrictions in their developments. A significant portion of the Williams County workforce earns 80% AMI or slightly higher, meaning they would be ineligible to buy income-restricted homes.
The buyers of these homes are responsible for securing their own financing, although WCPA does help connect them to banks that offer FHA or Welcome Home loans.
Grass Roots Ranch Homes
WCPA’s first project, “Grass Roots 1” was built in 2023 on spec in Montpelier, OH on land donated by the Land Bank. The house, which cost $120,000 to build, is a ranch-style, 1,040 square-foot, 3-bedroom home with an attached garage. The house sold for $156,000, higher than anticipated.
WCPA financed the project through a revolving line of credit, with help from the village of Montpelier who reduced project costs for Grass Roots 1 by waiving zoning and permit fees for the project and offering a 100%, 15-year tax abatement.[1] Proceeds from a sale were used to finance the next build.
Construction on Grass Roots Home in Montpelier Source: Williams County Port Authority
Secrets to WCPA’s Success
Although Williams County Commissioners created the WCPA in 2007, the WCPA remained largely dormant until 2021. As of 2024, WCPA has no paid staff, and operates entirely with a working volunteer board. They cite the diverse backgrounds of their board: banking, finance, commercial development, real estate and law as a major contributor to their success.[2] The Port’s own volunteer structure leads to a lack of overhead costs added to the project.
There are several additional factors that have contributed to WCPA’s success. These include critical financial support from local entities. The Port has negotiated favorable terms with local businesses that help control project costs. All of the Port’s single family homes use the same architectural plans, simplifying aspects of the planning and development process and reducing costs. And the region’s large manufacturing sector means there are contractors and local companies who know how to build homes.
[1] https://montpelieroh.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CRA-Tax-Abatement.pdf
[2] Interview with Dawn Fitzcharles, Vice Chair of WCPA