Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program

The Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development as a state-level economic development initiative designed to catalyze large-scale, high-impact real estate projects. The program provides tax credits to support qualifying mixed-use developments that are expected to generate significant economic activity and long-term tax revenue. The initiative reflects Ohio’s strategic focus on revitalizing urban and regional economies through integrated development projects that combine multiple uses such as residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into a single cohesive project footprint. The primary purpose of the program is to incentivize developments that would not otherwise be financially feasible without public support, meeting the requirement that the tax credit be a major factor in project completion. Projects must demonstrate transformational economic impact, including increased tax collections and broader community benefits. Eligible developments must include at least two distinct end uses—such as retail, office, residential, recreation, or hospitality—and must be open to the public to qualify as mixed-use. The program emphasizes developments that activate underutilized or vacant properties and contribute meaningfully to surrounding communities. Funding is provided in the form of a tax credit against eligible project expenditures. Eligible costs include architectural and engineering fees, due diligence expenses, and both hard and soft construction costs incurred after project certification. Certain pre-certification costs, such as design and due diligence, may also qualify. However, expenses such as land acquisition prior to application, off-site improvements, and application-related costs are excluded. The tax credit amount requested cannot exceed ten percent of total eligible expenditures and is capped at twenty million dollars per project. Each fiscal year allocates a total of one hundred twenty-five million dollars in tax credits, subject to adjustments based on prior year rescissions. Eligibility is limited to property owners or entities with a legal ownership or leasehold interest in the project site. Multiple property owners may apply jointly, but all must be included in the application, and one must serve as the lead applicant. Applicants must demonstrate that at least fifty-one percent of project financing is committed at the time of application and provide documentation supporting these commitments. Projects located within or near major Ohio cities must meet a minimum threshold of fifty million dollars in eligible expenditures, while general location projects follow different scope criteria. All applicants must also submit a third-party Economic Impact Statement demonstrating that projected tax revenue increases will exceed ten percent of eligible expenditures. The application process is conducted electronically through the Ohio Department of Development’s web portal. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application that includes detailed project information, financial documentation, site plans, architectural renderings, tenant commitments, and evidence of local support. Additional required components include an Economic Impact Statement and a standardized workbook. A non-refundable application fee of two thousand five hundred dollars must be paid at the time of submission. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation or payment will not be considered. For the Fiscal Year 2026 funding round, the application window opens on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time and closes on April 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Projects are evaluated based on eligibility criteria, economic impact, financial readiness, and alignment with program goals. Awards are announced in subsequent rounds following evaluation. The program operates on an annual cycle, and prior award announcements indicate consistent yearly funding rounds. Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare materials in advance due to the complexity and documentation requirements of the application process.

Ensure at least 51 percent financing is secured before applying; provide a strong economic impact statement demonstrating tax revenue growth; ensure all required documentation is complete to avoid disqualification