Lift-HI construction funds can be used for hard construction costs associated with the project. These funds cannot be used for acquisition, expenses incurred prior to the contract award, or soft costs associated with the project. Applicants must have site control, have secured a bank loan, and be able to demonstrate they have maximized all private debt financing options for funding sources.

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Goal​

 

Evaluation of the City of Cincinnati’s residential tax abatement program determined the need for it to be paired with other policies and support programs in the “Lift Neighborhoods.” To address this, Lift-HI prioritizes investment in historically under-served neighborhoods, achieving more social equity in homeownership rates, and bringing underutilized property back to best-use.

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Who Can Apply?

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• Developers

• Non-Profits, Community Development Corporations

• Contractors

 

Overview of Process

 

Once the guidelines are released, an online application for the Lift-HI program will go live at the link below. Interested developers and contractors submit their applications and accompanying materials for review. The Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") staff conduct an extensive review process for project feasibility and completeness, which includes assessing project readiness, financing, site eligibility, and project characteristics. Projects must undergo an inspection by a City-contracted third-party inspector before conditional awards are made. The property close of sale must happen within 2 months of City contract execution — only then can construction commence. Post-construction, a City-contracted third-party inspector completes another inspection, after which the home is sold to an income-qualified homebuyer and DCED releases the mortgage on the property.