City of Oberlin Awarded $1 Million State Grant to Support Workforce Housing and Future Innovation Park
OBERLIN, OHIO – (September 11, 2026) – The City of Oberlin has been awarded a $1 million Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Grant from the State of Ohio to support the development of a proposed 125-unit workforce housing community and extend critical sanitary sewer infrastructure along U.S. Route 20.
The award was announced this week by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik as part of $14 million in REDD grants awarded to communities in 10 Ohio counties. The second round of the program drew 32 eligible applications requesting nearly $69 million in funding.
Oberlin’s grant will fund a traffic study and approximately 3,500 feet of sanitary sewer extension along U.S. Route 20 to support the proposed development of multifamily housing at SLK’s site. The project will provide infrastructure necessary to advance the construction of a new family-oriented residential community designed to serve working households and families in Oberlin and throughout Lorain County.
“This is a major investment in Oberlin’s future,” said Oberlin City Manager Greg Holcomb. “The $1 million REDD grant allows us to make a critical infrastructure investment that directly supports new workforce housing while also helping us prepare for future economic development along U.S. Route 20.”
The proposed housing development would include up to 125 residential units on approximately 14 acres. The community is planned to include a mix of one- to four-bedroom garden walk-up apartments and townhomes, providing housing options for a range of household sizes, including families with children. A centrally located community clubhouse is also planned to provide resident services and encourage neighborhood connectivity.
“This is exactly the type of housing that our community needs,” Holcomb said. “We need quality housing that working people and families can afford, and we need housing that gives people the opportunity to live close to where they work. This project gives us the chance to add up to 125 new units while creating the infrastructure for future growth.”
The location of the proposed housing also provides Oberlin with an important opportunity to advance its vision for a sustainable, connected community. The housing development is planned directly across from the City’s proposed Innovation Park on U.S. Route 20, creating the potential for residents to live in close proximity to future employment opportunities.
“Creating a sustainable community means thinking about how our housing, jobs and infrastructure fit together,” Holcomb said. “By locating new homes directly across from our proposed Innovation Park, we can create a community where people have the potential to live close to where they work. That can reduce commuting distances, support alternative modes of transportation and create a more connected pattern of development.”
The sewer extension supported by the REDD grant will serve the proposed residential development while extending the City’s utility infrastructure along U.S. Route 20 toward the proposed Innovation Park. While the REDD funding is awarded specifically in support of the workforce housing project, the infrastructure investment has the potential to help position the City for future economic development in the corridor.
“This is a great example of how one strategic infrastructure investment can accomplish multiple goals,” Holcomb said. “We’re addressing a housing need, expanding our utility infrastructure, supporting our economic development strategies and laying the groundwork for the future Innovation Park. That’s smart planning and a responsible use of public investment.”
Oberlin’s REDD award builds upon the City’s ongoing efforts to expand the availability, diversity and affordability of housing while creating the infrastructure necessary for long-term economic development. The project also supports the City’s “Back to Basics” approach to city management, which emphasizes strong fundamentals of local government, proactive infrastructure investment, safe and beautiful neighborhoods, and creating the conditions necessary for residents and businesses to thrive.
“We are grateful to Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, Director Mihalik and the Ohio Department of Development for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in Oberlin,” Holcomb said. “This $1 million grant gives us an opportunity to take a significant step forward on housing and infrastructure, while preparing Oberlin and Central Lorain County for the next generation of economic development.”
About the REDD Program
The Residential Economic Development District Grant Program provides funding to eligible local governments located within 20 miles of a qualifying major economic development project. The program is designed to help communities expand housing opportunities and prepare for economic growth by supporting housing development, infrastructure improvements, site preparation, traffic studies, public safety and other community needs associated with population growth.
About the City of Oberlin
The City of Oberlin is committed to responsible local government, infrastructure investment, economic development, housing opportunities, sustainability and high-quality public services. Through strategic planning and partnerships, the City works to create a strong, connected and welcoming community for residents, businesses and future investment.
For more information, contact Oberlin City Manager Greg Holcomb at gholcomb@cityofoberlin.com or 440-775-7206.