OCCD Fall Meeting

Happy Fall! Oh, how I love this season - the vibrant explosion of colors, the smell of fallen leaves, and the feeling of crisp autumn air. As the seasons turn, we’re reminded that it’s also time for the next OCCD Quarterly Meeting. On behalf of the Board and Executive Director, we welcome you to OCCD’s Fall Meeting and hope that you’ll join us at the Embassy Suites Corporate Exchange.

Wednesday, October 22, at 5:30 p.m., a reception will welcome all attendees. Enjoy light food and beverages while connecting with fellow community development professionals. In these challenging times, this gathering offers a valuable opportunity to come together, share ideas, and support one another.

Thursday, October 23^rd will kick off the day with the Veteran’s Village. The partnership between Clermont County and the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) will provide 19 new multifamily units and a community center for local veterans. Learn what has worked and what challenges they’ve faced getting the project off the ground.

The following session will look at how leading housing challenges in one of Ohio's urban counties reveals challenges, opportunities and lessons for all of Ohio's communities. From affordability and aging housing stock to rental and workforce housing, what the Cuyahoga County housing study uncovers are shared across communities large and small, urban and rural - and everything in between. You will learn about some of the housing trends shaping current conditions in the county, examine challenges identified by leading housing stakeholders and learn about recommendations and new programs taking shape to ensure quality, stable and affordable housing for all residents.

Tony Core, from Squire Patton Boggs, will present immediately before lunch to give us his, always insightful, legislative update. Lunch will follow, with our business meeting immediately afterward.

The afternoon starts with a session on Growing Community through Urban Gardening. Let’s Grow Akron is a nonprofit community garden organization and urban farm with 37 years of experience growing and sharing food in low income neighborhoods. Join Lisa Nunn and Sam Phillips to learn how to sustain neighborhood scale food production and build community resilience.

Ohio’s population is aging rapidly, and housing and homeless service providers are already seeing the impact. Older adults face unique challenges that extend beyond affordability—such as accessibility needs, rising healthcare costs, social isolation, and the limited supply of housing designed for aging in place. These challenges place pressure not only on seniors but also on communities, service providers, and housing systems across the state. Amy Riegel, COHHIO’s Executive Director, brings us a session which will explore current data and trends, highlight barriers older adults face in securing safe and stable housing, and discuss strategies communities can use to better support this growing population. Participants will gain insights into policy solutions, innovative practices, and collaborative approaches that ensure Ohio’s older residents can live with dignity, safety, and stability.

Communities across Ohio face a housing crisis that disproportionately harms vulnerable residents, leaving many without safe, stable options. The Abbrey Affordable Housing Foundation has developed an innovative shared-living model designed to eliminate the most common barriers to housing, such as poor credit, criminal background, lack of rental history, and unaffordable deposits, while keeping costs very affordable. Join Brian and Jody Urbanski, who will share how their proof-of-concept in Columbus demonstrates a scalable, sustainable housing solution that communities can adopt to foster inclusion, resilience, and long-term stability.

Friday, October 24^th will feature the ODOD and HUD Breakout Sessions via Zoom.

Before the winter sets in, let’s get out there, enjoy the beauty around us and join us in October!

Donna D. Everson 
OCCD Vice President