Local –
ARTICLE: Near East Side Commission, Zoning and Planning move forward with Housing Development
- Both the zoning and planning arms of the Near East Side Area Commission recently voted in favor of the mixed-use development with 27 housing units and a cafe is proposed for Columbus' Near East Side
- The project is proposed for four parcels of land located at 1254 and 1258 Oak Street on the northwest corner of the intersection with Wilson Avenue, according to a copy of the zoning variance application submitted to the Near East Area Commission.
- A final vote on the proposed project is expected to come before the Columbus City Council sometime in July.
State –
ARTICLE: Governor Dewine Announces Pause on Data Center Tax Exemptions in Ohio
- Ohio is pausing a controversial tax break for data centers that cost nearly $1.6 billion last year.
- Gov. Mike DeWine said the state won't consider new requests for a sales tax exemption that saves companies money when they build data centers in Ohio.
- The pause will stay in place while lawmakers study data centers through a newly formed committee. Some say eliminating the tax break is long overdue.
National –
NAR Comments on DOJ/FTC Business Collaboration Guidance for MLS
- On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested public comment on whether to provide updated guidance on business collaborations among competitors.
- NAR emphasized that MLSs help expand seller exposure, reduce search costs for buyers, and provide brokers of all sizes with equal access to reliable property information, supporting a level competitive playing field.
- NAR will continue to advocate for policies that support MLSs as collaborative marketplaces for real estate professionals and their affiliated businesses, and that promote efficient, competitive real estate markets.
