Much of GOPC’s work is done in Ohio’s legacy cities, cities that have experienced industry and population loss over the past century. These areas often struggle to attract residential developers to build new housing and renovate existing housing in their communities. There are many factors that make development in legacy cities more risky than in newer suburbs, many of which are outside a city’s control.
GOPC has developed an infographic to explain what some of these factors are and how they put legacy cities at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting investment. The factors explored in this graphic are low property values, lending restrictions, complex sites, and a lack of small-scale developers. We strive to concisely explain each of these components and how they contribute to a cycle of disinvestment in housing and neighborhoods in legacy cities.