Nearly $200 Million in Total Funding for Lakefront Development Now Secured by Bibb Administration
Monday, December 1, 2025 — Cleveland — Mayor Justin M. Bibb released the following statement after this evening’s City Council meeting:
“Tonight, Cleveland took a decisive step forward. I applaud City Council for passing the Browns settlement agreement – a historic and transformational agreement my administration worked tirelessly to negotiate with discipline, transparency, and a firm commitment to protecting our residents and our taxpayers.
From day one, I made it clear that any deal involving our city’s assets must protect the city’s general revenue fund and deliver real value for Cleveland. This agreement does exactly that. It resolves longstanding issues, safeguards the city’s financial interests, and positions us to move ahead with clarity and purpose.
I’m proud of the leadership my administration demonstrated throughout this process, and I’m grateful to Council for its partnership. Together, we ensured Cleveland got a fair deal – and we will continue working to secure investments that strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance our economy, and reflect the high standards our residents deserve.”
STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT:
“We appreciate Cleveland City Council voting to approve our agreement that continues our investment in Cleveland to help further a vision for a new, reimagined lakefront while also positively impacting all of Cleveland. As we’ve stated previously, we are extremely excited about the combination of a new vibrant lakefront, the Bedrock riverfront project, our new world-class enclosed Huntington Bank Field, and adjacent mixed-use development that supports Mayor Bibb’s critical vision for a modernized Cleveland-Hopkins Airport. These projects all reinforce our belief that Northeast Ohioans should have it all. We are confident that with continued collaboration, our region is set up for incredible growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
Dave Jenkins, Haslam Sports Group President
“Cleveland’s lakefront is on the brink of generational transformation – with sustained momentum around bold, equitable and climate-resilient redevelopment. This transformation will define our city for generations, enhancing residents’ quality of life and visitors’ travel experiences. It will benefit all Clevelanders – offering new housing and recreational space as well as jobs for residents who live throughout the city’s neighborhoods. The initial infusion of $25 million from Haslam Sports Group will bolster momentum and support the City’s economic resurgence – funding enhancements to the area that entice essential private investment along our city’s lakefront.”
David Gilbert, President & CEO, Destination Cleveland
“Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) supports the agreement between the City of Cleveland and Haslam Sports Group. We commend all parties for securing a forward-looking agreement that will transform and attract additional investment to the downtown lakefront and also enable a domed stadium that will attract additional events and visitors that benefit both the city and the region. GCP and its members remain committed to partnering with government and civic leaders to support growth and investment across the entire City of Cleveland and the surrounding region.”
Baiju Shah, President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
“I want to commend Mayor Bibb for his leadership and City Council for their diligence throughout this process. This is a pivotal moment for Cleveland.
This agreement opens the door for the kind of bold, forward-looking lakefront development our community has envisioned for decades. Mayor Bibb’s persistence has created the foundation we need to finally reconnect our residents and visitors to one of our greatest natural assets – Lake Erie.
With this approval, we can accelerate plans to transform the North Coast into a vibrant, accessible, people-centered destination – one that enhances public spaces, strengthens transportation connections, and supports year-round economic activity. The opportunities ahead are significant, and this milestone ensures we can move forward with confidence and momentum.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Mayor, City Council, and community stakeholders as we bring this once-in-a-generation vision to life.”
Scott Skinner, Executive Director, North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation
"Downtown Cleveland stands united with Mayor Bibb in support of the $100 Million settlement agreement with the Haslam Sports Group. We have forcefully opposed the Browns’ move from the beginning, but this is no longer a battle of the location of the Browns. That was decided when the state allocated $600 Million to support the move, and HSG moved forward without County support
This settlement focuses on the future of downtown. Approving the legal settlement gives us all a 3-5 year headstart on strengthening the downtown core’s competitiveness by bringing the total lakefront development funding to almost $200 million. We recognize it is time to move forward and build for tomorrow."
Michael Deemer, President & CEO, Downtown Cleveland, Inc.
“The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (Port of Cleveland) supports the Cleveland Browns’ $45 million commitment to lakefront development.
The Port has long believed in the transformative potential of our lakefront, demonstrated through efforts such as stabilizing the Irishtown Bend hillside and supporting the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy. We recognize that meaningful lakefront progress relies on strong collaboration among public and private partners.
From our experience overseeing major waterfront projects, the Port understands firsthand how complex and costly lakefront development can be. Investments of this scale are both critical and necessary to ensure our region continues to move forward and to underscore the long-term importance of revitalizing Cleveland’s shoreline.
This investment presents an opportunity to build on ongoing waterfront development and infrastructure initiatives. As we continue strengthening our shoreline, further investment in the former stadium site can complement and leverage the Port’s existing commitments.
The Port of Cleveland stands ready to collaborate in advancing these shared goals and is confident this commitment will bring meaningful benefits to Northeast Ohio’s economic and community landscape.”
Port of Cleveland
