Columbus, Ohio – Ohio is taking another step toward clearing long-standing neighborhood issues, as Governor Mike DeWine and Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced $7.3 million in new funding aimed at removing unsafe and abandoned buildings across the state. The funding will support projects in 32 counties, helping communities eliminate blighted structures and prepare land for future use.
This latest funding marks the first group of projects under a new round of the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, a statewide effort launched in 2021 through a partnership between the governor and the Ohio General Assembly. The program was created with a clear goal—to remove dangerous, vacant buildings and open the door for new housing, business development, and neighborhood improvement.
Governor DeWine pointed to the long-term impact of the initiative, emphasizing how removing blight can transform entire communities. “For the last five years, the Demolition and Site Revitalization Program has been a powerful tool for communities working to turn blight into potential,” said Governor DeWine. “Each demolition clears the way for something better — whether that’s new housing, new businesses, or new opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.”
Clearing the way for growth and opportunity
The program is funded through Ohio’s two-year state budget, with $21.5 million set aside each fiscal year. Each of Ohio’s 88 counties is eligible to receive roughly $230,000 in grant funding, ensuring that both large and small communities can take part in revitalization efforts. For this round, local leaders who receive funding must identify the specific buildings or sites they plan to address by May 1, 2026.
Since its creation, the program has made a noticeable impact statewide. More than $310 million has already been invested, supporting nearly 6,200 demolition projects across Ohio. These efforts have not only removed unsafe structures but also helped improve safety, reduce neighborhood decline, and create space for new development.
Director Lydia Mihalik highlighted how important it is to remove barriers that hold communities back. “Sometimes the best way to move a community forward is by clearing away what’s holding it back,” she said. “By partnering with local leaders to remove unsafe and vacant structures, we’re helping neighborhoods make way for future investment.”
The demolition program is part of a larger effort known as the Ohio BUILDS Initiative. This broader plan focuses on improving everyday life through targeted investments, including better water systems, expanded internet access, redevelopment of unused industrial sites, and the removal of dangerous buildings.
With this new round of funding, state leaders are continuing to push forward with a strategy that focuses on both cleanup and growth. By tearing down what no longer serves communities, Ohio is working to create safer spaces and open new paths for housing, jobs, and long-term development.
