Cuyahoga County’s Housing Crisis: What Cleveland Needs Now

Why is housing getting harder to afford in Cleveland and across Cuyahoga County? In this episode of Cleveland Pulse, host Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with Anthony Scott, Esq., Director of Housing and Community Development for Cuyahoga County, to unpack the real story behind Northeast Ohio’s housing crisis. From vacant lots and abandoned homes to affordability, homeownership barriers, code enforcement, and “zombie titles,” this conversation breaks down the systems shaping who gets access to safe, stable housing — and who gets left behind. Anthony explains why the biggest issue is not a lack of concern, but a lack of resources. He shares how older homes fall into disrepair, why many properties cannot simply be reclaimed and reused, and how development costs keep rising even when land is available. He also explains how heirs property and unclear title can block families from getting help and preserving generational wealth. The episode also explores what Cuyahoga County actually does in housing policy: distributing HUD funds, managing CDBG and HOME dollars, supporting down payment assistance, and helping fund repair, rehab, and rental assistance efforts. Anthony also outlines a broader vision for workforce housing and what it will take to create more dignified, affordable housing options across the region. If you care about Cleveland community advocacy, economic equity in Ohio, Cleveland civic engagement, and the future of Black leadership in Cleveland, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more real conversations about power, policy, and participation in our city. 00:00:00 Housing crisis opening 00:00:20 Welcome to Cleveland Pulse 00:00:41 Meet Anthony Scott and his Cleveland journey 00:04:57 Why the housing crisis comes down to resources 00:06:43 Vacant lots, demolitions, and the cost of rebuilding 00:09:19 Who is responsible for abandoned properties? 00:10:20 Zombie titles, heirs property, and estate planning 00:12:47 Code enforcement and when properties can be taken 00:17:28 Is this a bad time to buy a home? 00:17:32 The county’s role in housing and HUD funding 00:20:02 What AMI means and who qualifies for help 00:22:43 How organizations apply for county housing dollars 00:24:29 Why funding still falls short 00:28:29 Why the county is responsive, not a builder 00:29:12 Tax credits, stalled projects, and financing gaps 00:30:35 The new housing fund vision 00:32:39 What “workforce housing” really means 00:33:12 Four priorities: development, down payment help, rehab, rental aid 00:46:52 Final advice on researching resources before asking for help 00:47:03 Closing remarks