Ohio REALTORS® Supports HB 361 To Address Housing Development
By: Stephen Ciacchi
Ohio REALTORS® submitted proponent testimony before the House Local Government Committee in support of House Bill 361 — legislation aimed at tackling one of the biggest challenges facing our state: housing availability and affordability.
House Bill 361 gives a meaningful step toward modernizing the state’s zoning and planning framework — by cutting regulations, increasing housing supply, and preparing communities for current and future development across Ohio. As highlighted in our testimony, the bill “improves transparency, removes red tape, and creates more predictable development standards,” allowing communities to respond more efficiently to growing housing demand.
The legislation also promotes greater consistency in local zoning and development practices, helping to reduce costly delays in zoning and building approvals while still ensuring homes remain safe, high-quality, and accessible. By creating a more predictable development environment, House Bill 361 gives builders and developers the assistance they need to invest in new housing, something that is urgently needed across Ohio.
Additionally, the bill strengthens comprehensive planning efforts and reinforces the importance of making housing development a priority statewide. These updates will help communities better plan for growth and create more opportunities for Ohioans to achieve the dream of homeownership.
Ohio REALTORS® applaud the bill sponsors, Rep. Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) and Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman), for their leadership and commitment to addressing Ohio’s housing shortage.
Stephen Ciacchi, AHWD, C2EX, MPA
Assistant Vice President, Political Affairs & RPAC
Stephen Ciacchi is a seasoned government affairs professional with extensive experience in political advocacy, grassroots engagement, and policy research. As Assistant Vice President of Political Affairs, he supports strategic lobbying efforts, ensuring alignment with key legislative priorities at both state and federal levels. Stephen oversees political coordination programs, fostering relationships between policymakers and industry stakeholders. He is instrumental in grassroots messaging, policy analysis, and stakeholder communication, helping to drive informed decision-making. With a strong background in public affairs, he manages key political initiatives, candidate screenings, and advocacy events, including legislative forums and caucus meetings. His expertise in political strategy and public policy strengthens the organization’s efforts to shape legislative outcomes and advance industry interests.
