Columbus to limit tax incentives to jobs paying $15 an hour

COLUMBUS (AP) — The mayor says future economic tax incentives from the city will be limited to companies whose jobs pay a minimum of $15 an hour.

Democratic Mayor Andrew Ginther also is proposing a new property tax-abatement program to spur development in neighborhoods with challenges. Ginther and city council members outlined the plan Monday for Ohio’s capital, which is also the state’s largest city.

The tax-abatement program requires developers receiving abatements for apartments and rehabbed single-family houses in better neighborhoods to set aside one of every five units for affordable housing.

The mayor says the city will give special tax-incentive consideration to companies locating in needier neighborhoods and on former brownfield sites.