Relocating the Browns Is a Costly Mistake for Cleveland and Ohio
“Downtown Cleveland, Inc. (DCI) is disappointed with the Greater Cleveland Partnership Executive Committee’s decision to support the Browns’ relocation. We strongly disagree with their position. DCI is uniquely qualified to speak on this issue, as our sole mission is to strengthen the heart of the city and region.
This is about more than who supports moving the Browns from Cleveland to Brook Park. It’s about what that move would cost the city, the region, and Ohio taxpayers.
Here’s the bottom line: Building a new stadium in suburban Cleveland is a risky use of taxpayer dollars that undermines the public and private investment already transforming the city’s core. Renovating the existing stadium isn’t just viable—it’s vital to the region’s continued growth. We fully support Mayor Bibb and County Executive Ronayne in their efforts to keep the team downtown.
There are three core issues at stake:
This move isn’t additive—it’s a shift. Relocating the stadium simply redirects jobs, tax revenue, and energy away from downtown. It also reduces the focus on lakefront development, which must remain a priority. Mayor Bibb’s lakefront master plan was initially conceived with the Haslams and will be a more impactful, positive investment in the long term.
The financing model is high-risk, low-reward. The state’s own Budget Office warns what is being billed as a $600 million plan could cost more than $1 billion—based on projections it calls inflated and unreliable.
Reinvesting in downtown delivers more for less. With over $4 billion in development already underway—including the nearly complete Sherwin-Williams headquarters, the planned North Coast Connector between downtown and Lake Erie, upgrades to the Rock Hall and Science Center, and Bedrock’s initial riverfront investments—renovating the existing stadium would accelerate momentum, not disrupt it. It’s the smarter, more responsible path forward.”
-Michael Deemer, President & CEO, Downtown Cleveland, Inc.