LANCASTER, OH — The Fairfield County Board of Commissioners has announced the launch of a county-wide housing study aimed at evaluating both current and future housing needs. The effort comes as the region continues to experience rapid growth driven by job creation and economic expansion across Central Ohio.
The study, which is expected to be completed within the next three to four months, will help county and municipal leaders identify gaps in the existing housing market and develop strategies to meet the evolving needs of residents and the workforce.
Key objectives of the study include:
- Assessing the current housing supply and identifying market gaps;
- Recommending the types of housing needed for a balanced, inclusive market;
- Offering design and zoning considerations for different housing forms;
- Evaluating the potential impact of housing development on public services such as schools and infrastructure;
- Equipping officials with public education tools to promote understanding of local housing needs.
This initiative builds on Fairfield County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which identified a need for at least 10,000 new housing units over the next decade to support the county’s growth trajectory.
“Columbus and Central Ohio are attracting significant investment and jobs, and we must ensure people have affordable and diverse housing options,” said Buffie Patterson, President of Columbus REALTORS® and the Central Ohio Regional MLS. “We’re proud to partner with the Lancaster Board of REALTORS® and Fairfield County in this important assessment.”
County leaders have already taken steps to reduce barriers to workforce participation by:
- Bridging the skills gap through programs at the Fairfield County Workforce Center;
- Improving access to transportation, including driver’s education and management of Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit;
- Promoting workforce housing;
- Expanding access to affordable childcare.
“We have more industry coming into the county than ever before, and we’ll need housing to support those jobs,” said Commissioner Jeff Fix. “This study will help us grow wisely—supporting both our current workforce and longtime residents who want to retire in the communities they love, all while preserving our farmland and protecting taxpayers.”
The study is also intended to help guide developers toward smart investment. Jon Melchi, Executive Director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, emphasized that collaboration with local governments is key: “The more information we have in advance, the better we can meet housing needs across the county.”
Local leaders echoed support. Don McDaniel, Mayor of Lancaster, said the city has already modernized zoning and enhanced Community Reinvestment Areas to encourage development. “This study will help us understand both our strengths and our gaps as we continue to grow.”
The county expects the study to become a cornerstone for coordinated, data-driven planning that supports both economic development and the quality of life for all Fairfield County residents.
