The Emerging Developers Accelerator Program (EDAP) remains paused for new participants as AHT works through a comprehensive evaluation of the program's design, long-term sustainability, and alignment with the evolving needs of emerging developers across Columbus and Franklin County. We are pleased to share that the first phase of that evaluation is now complete.

To lead this work, AHT engaged Inspire and Illuminology, recognized specialists in research, public relations, and marketing for nonprofits, financial institutions, and real estate organizations. Their research conducted August–September 2025, included a quantitative stakeholder survey distributed to 119 participants (achieving a 50% response rate), nearly 30 in-depth interviews with AHT staff, board members, community leaders, and program alumni, and a peer program analysis benchmarking EDAP against comparable models in other markets.

The insights gathered through this process are now actively informing our thinking as we assess what the path forward for EDAP may look like.

While the formal program is paused, our commitment to EDAP's alumni and mission has not wavered. AHT continues to support past participants through technical assistance, continuing education, and access to lending opportunities.

Building Small Event Series (November 2025) — In partnership with the City of Columbus and Urban Land Institute, AHT hosted a multi-day event series featuring Jim Heid, founder of Building Small and a nationally recognized leader in small-scale, community-based development. The series included a public keynote and a hands-on, full-day developer workshop designed specifically for EDAP graduates and early-stage practitioners, focused on real-world case studies, financial modeling, and applied project design.

Duplex Documentary Screening — AHT hosted a screening of United: The Hidden Story of the Humble Duplex, a 2025 short documentary produced by Carlie Boos of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio (AHACO). The film explored the role of small-scale infill development in expanding affordable housing supply, offering alumni a compelling look at the history and potential of duplex development in communities like ours. A special thank you to Carlie for joining us afterward to facilitate a rich discussion with attendees.

Land Bank Training Session (February 2026) — AHT hosted a focused continuing education session for EDAP alumni in partnership with the City of Columbus Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment. Approximately 20 alumni participated in a hands-on walkthrough of the City Land Bank parcel application process, covering project readiness, affordability-focused programs, application requirements, and how AHT can provide technical assistance and lending support throughout the process.

As we move through the next phase of this evaluation, our priority is to ensure that any future version of EDAP is stronger, more sustainable, and delivers maximum impact. Both for program participants and for the residents who will call their projects home. We will use the data gathered to hold ourselves accountable to our community and stakeholders. We remain committed to transparent and timely communication and will share updates as soon as next steps are determined.