A community conversation about the future of housing in Hilliard is entering an important phase, and residents are invited to take part.
The City of Hilliard’s Housing Steering Committee will host a public open house on Thursday, May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hilliard City Hall, 3800 Municipal Way.
Community members are invited to review and discuss the draft Housing Study and share feedback before it moves forward.
The draft will be available for public review beginning Thursday, May 7 on the Hilliard Housing Study Dashboard. It will include an in-depth look at current and future housing needs, challenges that may limit housing availability or affordability, and recommendations to help the City meet demand both now and in the future.
This marks a key milestone in a process that began last year as part of the City’s ongoing effort to plan for Hilliard’s future. The Housing Study builds on the vision outlined in the 2023 Community Plan, which identifies housing as essential to maintaining the city’s vitality and ensuring access to quality neighborhoods for residents of all ages and income levels.
Background on the Housing Study
To take a deeper look at local housing needs, City Council authorized the City Manager to partner with CommunityScale, a consulting firm specializing in housing and community development. Together, they launched a comprehensive, citywide study aimed at understanding current housing conditions, identifying future needs, and recommending policies and strategies to support the types of housing Hilliard residents want and need.
The study officially kicked off in August and is expected to be finalized in late spring or early summer 2026. Since then, progress has been guided by a 10-member Housing Steering Committee appointed by City Council in September. The committee has met regularly over the past several months to review data, discuss priorities, and help shape the study’s direction.
Community engagement
Public input has also played a central role. In late fall, residents were invited to participate in a community survey that explored their experiences with housing in Hilliard, their preferences for neighborhoods, and the types of development they would support. That feedback, along with input gathered during a public meeting in early December, has helped inform the study’s goals, strategies, and implementation steps.
The May 6 open house offers residents an opportunity to explore those findings, ask questions, and provide input in an informal, come-and-go setting.
Next steps
Following the public meeting, the Housing Steering Committee will meet again on Thursday, June 4 at 6 p.m. to review the draft study and consider a recommendation to City Council regarding its adoption.
City leaders emphasize that community participation remains essential to shaping the final outcome. The Housing Study is intended to ensure that Hilliard continues to be a welcoming, inclusive community where people at every stage of life can find a place to call home.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft study, attend the open house, and share their perspectives.
For more information, visit the Hilliard Housing Study Dashboard or contact the project team at planning1@hilliardohio.gov or 614-334-2548.
