06-05-2025
Ohio's $2.5 billion infrastructure plan goes to voters Tuesday
It's primary Election Day, and for many local voters there's only one item on the ballot: State Issue 2.
Why it matters: If OK'd by voters, it would authorize the state to allocate $2.5 billion over 10 years to fund public infrastructure projects to improve bridges, roads, sewers and water lines.
In case you missed our recent explainer, the State Capital Improvement Program dates back to 1987, and it's been renewed at the ballot box about every 10 years.
How it works: The program is funded with bonds, meaning your property tax bill won't change whether it passes or fails.
The program currently disburses up to $200 million annually. A successful Issue 2 would up the yearly amount to $250 million.
Local governments first request grants. A committee of local officials sends approved projects to the Ohio Public Works Commission, which administers the program.
Zoom in: The State Capital Improvement Program has supported nearly 4,500 projects over the past decade in every county.
Cleveland projects have included the design and rehabilitation of a number of major streets — Carnegie and Payne downtown, West 65th Street and Fulton Road on the west side, and East 79th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the east.
By the numbers: There's no "Issue 1" this year and won't be for many years to come.
The statewide ballot numbering system previously reset every year, but now will be numbered sequentially through 500 before returning to 1 to avoid confusion.
✏️ Voters in Bay Village and Parma will also be deciding on school levies Tuesday.
