Columbus Reallocates ARPA Funds to Housing Program

The city is redirecting unused federal funds to the CHIP 2.0 initiative to support home maintenance for qualified residents.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Residential

Isometric editorial illustration of a brick home entryway, symbolizing the reallocation of municipal housing maintenance funds. — The Columbus Board of Public Works has approved the transfer of unused federal ARPA funds to the city’s CHIP 2.0 home maintenance program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Columbus is transferring unused American Rescue Plan Act funds from the PAACT program to the CHIP 2.0 housing initiative. The decision follows a developer's exit from the PAACT program and aims to ensure full federal fund expenditure.

Why it matters

The reallocation ensures that federal housing dollars are fully utilized before impending deadlines while providing necessary home maintenance support to low- and moderate-income families. This shift maintains the city's commitment to local residential development despite changes in program participation.

CHIP 2.0 provides home maintenance assistance for homeowners earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income. Currently, seven PAACT infill homes are sold, with two projects remaining in development.

The players

Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety

This local governing body manages city infrastructure projects and oversees public contracts and municipal fund allocations.

Administrative Resources Association

This entity serves as the administrative partner responsible for managing and implementing municipal housing assistance programs.

The details

The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety approved an addendum to the Administrative Resources Association contract to formalize the fund transfer. One of the ten original developers involved in the PAACT initiative exited the program, prompting the city to pivot toward supporting home repairs.

The city announced the ARPA fund transfer on October 30, 2026.
Several maintenance projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Culture Shift

The city's action reflects a broader trend of municipal governments adapting pandemic-era funding models to address long-term residential infrastructure needs. By pivoting from new home construction to maintenance, Columbus aligns with a national shift toward preserving existing housing stock.

Homeowners in Columbus earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income may now be eligible for new home maintenance assistance under the CHIP 2.0 program. Residents should contact the Administrative Resources Association to determine if their specific repair needs qualify under the updated guidelines.

The takeaway

When federal grant programs face sudden changes in participation, cities often pivot to ensure funds reach residents rather than returning them to the Treasury. Homeowners should regularly check municipal websites for updates on housing assistance eligibility as local governments reallocate resources.