City of Columbus Proposes $1.9 Billion Bond Package
Published on May 22, 2025
The City of Columbus today introduced a $1.9 billion voted bond package to finance capital improvements in neighborhoods across the city, without raising taxes. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther will advance Resolutions of Necessity to Columbus City Council, the first step in placing five bond issues on the November 4 ballot.
The breakdown of the proposed bond package is as follows:
- Safety, Health & Infrastructure $250 million
- Recreation & Parks $250 million
- Neighborhood Development/
- Affordable Housing $500 million
- Public Service $400 million
- Public Utilities $500 million
Building on the success of the 2019 and 2022 Affordable Housing Bonds valued at $50 million and $200 million, respectively, the city will commit $500 million from the new bond package to support the construction of affordable housing in the city.
“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. “Affordable housing bonds have supported the construction of more than 4,000 rental units in our city, including more than 630 units of permanent supportive housing. This bond proposal doubles-down on our commitment to drive continued progress.”
The ballot measures would allow the City of Columbus to sell bonds to investors and use the proceeds to finance infrastructure improvements including police and fire facilities and equipment, road resurfacing, new community centers, parks and pools, and water and sewer infrastructure. To repay the debt, the city utilizes 25% of income taxes collected and a portion of utility bills to pay for the debt that is issued for a term of five to 20 years. Since 1956, the city has never had to use other sources of funding to repay the bonds, thus enabling the city to fund infrastructure investments without raising property taxes.
"Columbus is a growing city with growing needs,” said City Council President Shannon Hardin. “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."
The package will be voted on by Columbus residents in the general election on November 4, 2025. Additional information about the bond package is available at columbus.gov/bonds.