A Message from the President & CEO, Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County

When I stepped into this role a year ago, I did so with a deep sense of responsibility and an equally deep sense of optimism. The Affordable Housing Trust has spent more than two decades as a steadfast force for good in Central Ohio, and I am honored to carry that legacy forward. 

Recently, I attended a book release event for Columbus's own Wil Haygood, one of our country's most celebrated writers. During the event, he shared a story from early in his career about approaching James Baldwin with a bold question: "Am I going to be a great author someday?" Baldwin's response was characteristically direct: "How should I know? I don't even know you." But he followed it with advice that has stayed with Haygood throughout his remarkable career, and that now resonates with me as I reflect on this first year: "You have to go the way your blood beats."

Looking back, I can see how my own path has followed that rhythm. From finance to real estate law, from real estate development to government affairs and advocacy, each chapter has introduced me to mentors, partners and teammates who have shaped how I think about this work. More than that, each step prepared me for the challenge, and the privilege, of leading this organization at this moment. 

As I reflect on this first year, I find myself genuinely moved by how much we have accomplished together. And I’m equally energized by the work that still lies ahead.

The Landscape: Affordable Housing in Central Ohio

Central Ohio continues to grow at a pace matched by few regions in the country. Columbus remains one of the fastest-growing metros in the Midwest, and with that growth comes increasing pressure on housing affordability. Rising land costs, construction inflation, and increasing demand have widened the gap between what working families can afford and what the market provides. The region's affordable housing deficit, particularly for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, remains a defining challenge facing our community.

Even so, AHT’s work continued to make a tangible difference. In 2025, the organization closed $39.7 million in loans and supported the development of 1,385 units across Central Ohio, helping expand housing opportunities for families across our region.

At the same time, there is cause for cautious optimism. Awareness of the affordable housing crisis has never been higher among policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders. New tools, new partnerships, and a growing civic will to act are creating openings that were far less visible just a few years ago. AHT is uniquely positioned to help translate that momentum into real homes, real opportunity, and lasting impact for families across Columbus and Franklin County.

Gratitude: A Foundation Built by Many

None of what has been accomplished over the past year would have been possible without the extraordinary people who make this organization what it is. The Board of Trustees provided steady guidance and thoughtful oversight throughout the transition, continuing to lead with the wisdom and commitment that make AHT's governance one of its greatest strengths. The talented, dedicated, and mission-driven staff of AHT embraced change with professionalism and grace, never losing sight of the communities we serve. 

Earlier, I mentioned the mentors, partners, and teammates my career path has introduced me to along the way. That description fits this board and this staff perfectly. This first year has deepened my appreciation for both, and I am grateful to work alongside such a remarkable group of people.

Year One Highlights

One of the most meaningful investments we made this year was adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as our organizational framework. This approach has given us a shared language, clearer accountability, and a more disciplined approach to executing on our vision. From establishing our core values to building out our meeting rhythms and tracking measurables, the system has helped us operate with greater alignment and intentionality. 

Implementing this framework required meaningful effort across the organization. Change rarely comes easily, but the team embraced the process wholeheartedly. I am already seeing the dividends in how we plan, communicate and deliver results.

Beyond our lending activity, we made a deliberate commitment this year to elevating AHT's voice in the broader conversation about affordable housing solutions. We are not just a lender. We are also a partner, a convener, and increasingly, a thought leader. That means showing up at the tables where policy is shaped, contributing research and perspective on what's working and what isn't, and helping frame the narrative around what it will truly take to solve the affordable housing crisis in our communities. This work is ongoing, and it is one of the areas I am most excited to build upon in the years ahead.

Looking Forward

A first year is, above all, a foundation. I believe we have begun to build a strong one, grounded in trust, strengthened by new tools, and pointed toward a vision that is both ambitious and achievable. 

Baldwin's advice to Haygood at the beginning of his writing journey was not a promise of success; it was an invitation to authenticity, to follow the work that calls to you and trust the path it reveals. For AHT, the path forward is clear: deploy more capital, support more development, and help more families find stable, affordable homes so that they can access opportunity. The need in our community is urgent, and AHT will continue to rise to meet it.

Thank you for your continued belief in this organization and in the work we do together. I look forward to what we will build for Central Ohio, and for the families who call it home.

With gratitude,

Ian Labitue

President & CEO Affordable Housing Trust
for Columbus and Franklin County