Columbus, Ohio (WSYX) — The City of Columbus has introduced a $1.9 billion bond package aimed at financing capital improvements across neighborhoods without raising taxes.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced that he will advance Resolutions of Necessity to the Columbus City Council, marking the first step in placing five bond issues on the November 4, 2025, ballot.
The proposed bond package includes allocations for various sectors: $250 million for Safety, Health & Infrastructure, $250 million for Recreation & Parks, $500 million for Neighborhood Development/Affordable Housing, $400 million for Public Service, and $500 million for Public Utilities.
Building on the success of previous affordable housing bonds, the city plans to commit $500 million from the new package to support affordable housing construction.
“One of the most powerful ways we can address our housing crisis is to get shovels in the ground and build units for Columbus residents struggling with housing instability,” said Mayor Ginther.
The ballot measures would allow the city to sell bonds to investors, using the proceeds to finance infrastructure improvements such as police and fire facilities, road resurfacing, community centers, parks, pools, and water and sewer infrastructure. The city plans to repay the debt using 25% of income taxes collected and a portion of utility bills over a term of five to 20 years. Since 1956, Columbus has not needed to use other funding sources to repay bonds, enabling infrastructure investments without raising property taxes.
You can watch the press conference announcing the bond package in the player below.
City Council President Shannon Hardin highlighted the importance of the bond package.
“Columbus is a growing city with growing needs. This bond package ensures we’re not just keeping up—we’re planning ahead, investing in the infrastructure and services that will support our residents today and for generations to come,” Hardin said.
Columbus residents will vote on the bond package in the general election on November 4, 2025. More information is available at columbus.gov/bonds.
