Solving Ohio's Housing Shortage and Workforce Challenges: Senator Michele Reynolds Shares Her Vision

Housing scarcity meets economic opportunity in this compelling conversation with Ohio State Senator Michele Reynolds, District 3,  who brings a refreshing problem-solving approach to some of our region's most pressing challenges.

The senator doesn't mince words about Ohio's housing crisis – we're short approximately 200,000 housing units statewide, with property taxes skyrocketing 30-40% in many areas. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, Reynolds advocates for state government serving as a supportive partner to local communities through technical assistance, strategic planning support, and targeted grants. 

What makes Reynolds' approach particularly valuable is her recognition that housing and workforce development are fundamentally connected. "Homes are where jobs go at night," she explains, highlighting that economic growth requires both jobs and places for workers to live. As Ohio attracts major developments like Intel's semiconductor facility and Anduril Industries, Manufacturer of Autonomous systems and weapons – projects bringing thousands of high-quality jobs – the housing component becomes even more crucial.

Reynolds advocates for earlier career exploration in K-12 education and stronger industry-education partnerships. She celebrates programs like Amgen's pharmaceutical training course at Columbus State, which creates direct pathways from education to employment. Reynolds also champions looking beyond traditional talent pools, emphasizing opportunities for disabled Ohioans, veterans, and returning citizens from incarceration.

Website:

https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/michele-reynolds

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