New Community Authority (NCA)

What is an NCA?

A New Community Authority (NCA) is a financing and governance tool allowed under Ohio law. It enables cities and developers to share the costs of new public infrastructure inside a defined district (the “NCA area”). The improvements are funded over time through a small community development charge collected in that district. NCAs help cities build complete, livable neighborhoods faster—and keep taxes low for residents outside the district.

Key features

    • Created by petition and governed by a board of trustees.
    • Operates within a defined boundary.
    • May finance public improvements and related services that benefit the district.
    • Transparent budgeting, public meetings/notices, and annual reporting.

How an NCA Works (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Define the Area: The city and property owners establish the NCA boundary.
  2. Create the Authority: Following state law, a board of trustees is formed to oversee the NCA.
  3. Set the Charge: The board adopts a community development charge (for example, a small percentage on sales within the district and/or property‑based charges).
  4. Build Improvements: Charges are used to fund eligible projects—like roads, utilities, parks, and public amenities.
  5. Ongoing Oversight: The NCA board manages budgets, reviews projects, and reports to the public.

Example: If a new commercial area opens in an NCA, a small charge on purchases there helps cover the costs of the new streets, utilities, and public spaces serving that area.

Benefits for Huber Heights

  • Protects taxpayers: Shifts the cost of new infrastructure away from existing residents.
  • Builds quality faster: Provides a dedicated funding stream for complete neighborhoods with modern amenities.
  • Promotes fairness: New development helps pay for the infrastructure it needs.
  • Supports economic development: Reliable infrastructure attracts private investment and high‑quality projects.

What Can an NCA Fund?

  • Streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, and lighting
  • Water and sewer lines, stormwater improvements
  • Parks, trails, and bikeways
  • Streetscapes and public plazas
  • Public buildings that serve the community
  • Wayfinding, maintenance, safety, and programming related to these improvements

About the Community Development Charge

  • Who pays? Only those inside the NCA district (for example, businesses/residents located there).
  • How much? Set by the NCA board; typically, a small percentage is added to retail receipts in the district and/or a property‑based charge.
  • Where does it go? Dedicated to eligible public improvements and services in the NCA area.
  • How is it tracked? Through public budgets, audits, and board reports.