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Housing Homeownership Initiative

At a glance

  • What: City program to increase homeownership opportunities through sales of municipal land to first-time buyers and partnerships with financial institutions.
  • Where it stands: City Council has approved multiple property sales (Ords. 2026-066, 2026-089, 2026-090) to support homeownership. Partnership with Founders Credit Union provides affordable mortgages. City constructs all-brick homes (1,300 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath).
  • Next: Continued property sales and development; Mayor stated 15 homes targeted by end of year.

Overview

The City is using municipal properties to expand homeownership, particularly for first-time homebuyers and City employees. The initiative includes:

  • Sale of city-owned property to qualified buyers
  • Partnership with Founders Credit Union to hold mortgages, extending homeownership access
  • Construction of quality, affordable all-brick homes at fixed specifications
  • Focus on changing what affordable housing looks like in Columbia

Property sales approved

  • Stephanie Weeks, 5220 Randall Avenue (Ord. 2026-066) - second reading approved August 18
  • Latisha Miles-Hall, 5236 Spalding Avenue (Ord. 2026-089) - first reading approved October 6
  • Deanna Mack, 5240 Randall Avenue (Ord. 2026-090) - first reading approved October 6
  • Additional properties transferred from TN Development Corporation for infill development (Resolution R-2026-79) - unanimously approved October 6

Council commentary

Mayor Rickenmann emphasized commitment to pathways to homeownership and City efforts to guide change intentionally. He noted excitement for new homeowners and City employee homebuyers. City Manager Wilson shared that City is accelerating construction and that Founders Credit Union partnership holds mortgages to benefit additional residents. Councilman Sam P. Johnson emphasized Council's consistent support for density and homeownership expansion.

Sources

  • Ordinance 2026-066 (Stephanie Weeks property sale): August 18, 2026 Council meeting minutes
  • Ordinance 2026-089 (Latisha Miles-Hall property sale): October 6, 2026 Council meeting minutes
  • Ordinance 2026-090 (Deanna Mack property sale): October 6, 2026 Council meeting minutes
  • Resolution R-2026-79 (TN Development Corporation property transfer): October 6, 2026 Council meeting minutes

Log

2026-10-06 - City Council

Property transfers approved: Resolution R-2026-79 approved unanimously; Mayor and City Manager emphasized continued homeownership expansion and 15 homes targeted by year-end.

2026-10-06 - City Council

First reading approved for property sales (Ords. 2026-089, 2026-090); Mayor expressed excitement for new homeowners.

2026-08-18 - City Council

Second reading approved property sale (Ord. 2026-066); Founders Credit Union CEO presented affordable housing partnership details.

2026-10-20 - City Council

  • Second reading approved for the sales of two city-owned houses (Spalding Avenue and Randall Avenue) to a city employee and an educator; unanimous.