Rep. Sykes Hosts “Housing Together” Roundtable on Housing Affordability
AKRON, OHIO – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a “Housing Together” roundtable Saturday at the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, bringing together housing advocates, local leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss rising housing costs and ways to protect homeowners in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.
The discussion focused on expanding affordable housing, increasing homeownership, and strengthening consumer protections. Participants also highlighted barriers to ownership, housing shortages, and the need to fight discrimination in the housing market.
“The cost of housing continues to rise, and families across Northeast Ohio are feeling the pressure,” said Rep. Sykes. “Bringing together advocates and community leaders helps us identify practical, bipartisan solutions that expand access to safe, affordable housing.”
Panelists shared insights from their work and emphasized the role of federal, state, and local partnerships in lowering costs and increasing housing supply.
"EANDC was happy to co-host this event with Congresswoman Sykes’ office to welcome local leaders in the community to learn how the Congresswoman's office can help us increase job opportunities and housing options in Summit and Stark Counties," said Cheryl Stephens, CEO of the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation.
“Affordable housing is a critical issue here in Northeast Ohio. We appreciate Congresswoman Sykes’ leadership and bringing together a broad range of perspectives so every angle on affordable housing can be addressed. The roundtable covered critical challenges to affordable housing such as home prices, construction costs, access to financing, insurance costs, property taxes, and out-of-state investors acquiring substantial amounts of property here in Northeast Ohio. The Summit County Fiscal Office appreciates the opportunity to be a part of these conversations and I felt encouraged after such a productive dialogue at this event,” said Mike Migden, Chief of Staff for the Summit County Fiscal Office.
“I appreciate Congresswoman Sykes bringing together housing and community leaders from across the district to discuss affordability challenges and solutions. At the Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR), we believe homeownership remains a cornerstone of the American Dream, and conversations like this are essential to ensuring more families have the opportunity to achieve it,” said Jamie McMillen Vice President of Advocacy Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS®.
“I appreciate Congresswoman Sykes inviting me to the panel and highlighting the critical challenges to affordable housing. From reducing regulatory costs and streamlining approvals to increasing development density, these are practical steps that can make housing more accessible. Workforce development is another area where we can support affordability, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations,” said Richard Bancroft, Executive Officer of the Building Industry Association of Northeast Ohio.
Rep. Sykes said discussions like this will inform her work in Congress to expand access to safe, affordable housing and protect homeowners across Ohio’s 13th District.