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Usher, Chris Brown bring R&B party of the summer to Cleveland

The two stars performed more than 50 songs over 2 1/2 hours.

Music

Usher and Chris Brown&#x27;s concert at Huntington Bank Field featured an abundance of hit anthems, flashy dance moves and more screams than a roller coaster drop at Cedar Point.The big picture: The duo&#x27;s co-headlining show Tuesday was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the biggest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/05/30/greatest-concerts-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="fcce8915-024e-42eb-830b-a28c39dbf91f" data-vars-headline="Usher, Chris Brown bring R&amp;B party of the summer to Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/05/30/greatest-concerts-cleveland" target="_self">one of the biggest</a> R&amp;B concerts to ever hit Northeast Ohio.

New bike path will connect Edgewater to Cudell

Cleveland has secured $100,000 to begin planning the route in Wards 11 and 12.

Transit

Cleveland has secured $100,000 from the state to begin planning a shared-use path along West Boulevard connecting Cudell to Edgewater Park.Why it matters: The project aims to calm traffic while making it safer and easier for people to reach the lakefront without driving.

Ohio among states reporting stomach parasite infections

The Ohio Department of Health's data lists more than 30 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1.

Health

Ohio is one of 17 states with reported cases of a gut-wrecking parasite that&#x27;s plaguing the U.S. as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health" data-vars-content-id="5317b579-6365-48ba-8be5-3af75ce3f329" data-vars-headline="Ohio among states reporting stomach parasite infections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health" target="_self">health</a> officials investigate what&#x27;s driving an increase in cases.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

Participatory budgeting for Columbus, but not Cleveland

Columbus is launching a pilot program three years after Cleveland quashed one.

Politics

Columbus begins a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial experiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" data-vars-content-id="f2e46736-f732-445d-891a-739c8d1eb796" data-vars-headline="Participatory budgeting for Columbus, but not Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" target="_self">financial experiment</a> this week, handing over the keys to a portion of the city&#x27;s budget to the public for the first time.Why it matters: Clevelanders might be jealous.

Cleveland faith communities step into housing

Grants and technical assistance could help congregations create up to 100 affordable homes.

Real Estate

Six congregations on Cleveland&#x27;s East Side are getting seed money to help turn church land into affordable housing.Why it matters: Churches have long been among Cleveland&#x27;s most durable neighborhood anchors, and many of them own vacant or underused properties in communities where affordable housing is scarce.

Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side

The new Housing Innovation District aims to spur development in areas shaped by redlining and disinvestment.

Some of Cleveland&#x27;s most historically disinvested neighborhoods are getting a boost.Driving the news: Cleveland City Council last week approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/07/mayor-justin-bibb-housing-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="b90f8aae-3bd9-4897-885b-1b6eb7752ee9" data-vars-headline="Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/07/mayor-justin-bibb-housing-election-2025" target="_self">Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s</a> Housing Innovation District, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-05-27/cleveland-proposes-sweeping-investment-in-east-side-housing-waived-permit-costs-new-builds-tax-tools" data-vars-content-id="b90f8aae-3bd9-4897-885b-1b6eb7752ee9" data-vars-headline="Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-05-27/cleveland-proposes-sweeping-investment-in-east-side-housing-waived-permit-costs-new-builds-tax-tools" target="_blank">a plan</a> to combine zoning reform, tax incentives and new construction in East Side communities shaped by redlining and scarred by the housing crisis.

Former Notre Dame College heads to the auction block

South Euclid has submitted a $7.9M bid to help shape the future of the prime 50-acre site

The former Notre Dame College campus is heading to auction Thursday, and the city of South Euclid wants in on the action. Why it matters: The lush, 50-acre site is a prime redevelopment opportunity in the eastern suburbs, with potential for housing, parks and senior living facilities.

Clifton Cleaners building to be reimagined as dual storefront

The property is now for lease, with two 1,100-square-foot spaces and an event venue in the back.

The former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clifton Cleaners Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/19/clifton-cleaners-building-is-getting-gutted" data-vars-content-id="26608b4d-1052-4e9c-b9fd-f2ae6790b67d" data-vars-headline="Clifton Cleaners building to be reimagined as dual storefront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/19/clifton-cleaners-building-is-getting-gutted" target="_self">Clifton Cleaners Building</a> (11034 Clifton Blvd.) will no longer be a laundromat and dry cleaner, the building&#x27;s property manager tells Axios. State of play: Designer and realtor Liz McIlwee says it is now being marketed as a dual storefront, with two customizable spaces of about 1,100 square feet each and a larger event venue in the back.

Cleveland rents dip slightly, still well below U.S. median

Rent in Cleveland's metro area is down just 0.2% year over year, to $1,111.

News

Cleveland&#x27;s median rent is down slightly in 2026 compared to last year, as it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/11/20/cost-of-living" data-vars-content-id="e680d558-e8ed-4ee2-a1d8-45d6316998a4" data-vars-headline="Cleveland rents dip slightly, still well below U.S. median" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/11/20/cost-of-living" target="_self">remains</a> one of the country&#x27;s least expensive major metros.Why it matters: Housing remains unaffordable for many.

California investors eye Cleveland's historic Variety Theater

They want to restore the 1927 complex, including the 12 apartments above it, "the way it was."

California investors are in talks to buy Cleveland&#x27;s long-dormant Variety Theater, offering a new path forward for the historic venue on Lorain Avenue.Why it matters: The Variety has cycled through owners for decades, but the cost and complexity of restoration has handicapped recent efforts to bring it back to life.

Shaker Blvd. buildings at center of 2023 controversy sold for $11.7M

The new owner has pledged $5M+ in repairs to properties emblematic of Cleveland's fight with absentee landlords.

A trio of distressed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shaker Boulevard apartment buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/02/03/buckeye-shaker-tenants-investors" data-vars-content-id="4fa66fe3-8cb4-4d46-b9fb-4961c43e9673" data-vars-headline="Shaker Blvd. buildings at center of 2023 controversy sold for $11.7M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/02/03/buckeye-shaker-tenants-investors" target="_self">Shaker Boulevard apartment buildings</a> has a new owner and a promised infusion of cash.Why it matters: The buildings were a flashpoint in Cleveland&#x27;s fight with out-of-town landlords in 2023. <ul><li>After reports of mold, water damage and years without heat, tenants allied with City Hall to pressure the building&#x27;s owners.</li></ul>

A new era for Cleveland real estate development

City restructures its economic development department to streamline permits, manage land smarter and spur growth.

Would a Department of Economic Development by any other name smell as sweet?Cleveland thinks so. City Council has passed legislation rechristening the department the Department of Development and centralizing the city&#x27;s real estate operations within it.Why it matters: City Hall&#x27;s development functions are scattered across multiple departments, creating delays, backlogs and confusion for residents and builders.

Cleveland's newest affordable homes are powered by the sun

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry debuts solar-powered duplexes offering low-income Clevelanders a sustainable path home.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) cut the ribbon Tuesday on its first new housing construction: four solar-powered efficiencies in two duplexes on Luther Avenue in Cleveland&#x27;s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.Why it matters: The project adds to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="modest but innovative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/11/modular-home-project-affordable-housing-shortage" data-vars-content-id="77400fc9-114a-46a1-b608-d24dcf883268" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s newest affordable homes are powered by the sun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/11/modular-home-project-affordable-housing-shortage" target="_self">modest but innovative</a> wave of affordable housing efforts across Cleveland amid a deepening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordability crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025/11/second-most-affordable-label-doesnt-mean-cleveland-housing-is-affordable-for-all-blaine-a-griffin.html" data-vars-content-id="77400fc9-114a-46a1-b608-d24dcf883268" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s newest affordable homes are powered by the sun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025/11/second-most-affordable-label-doesnt-mean-cleveland-housing-is-affordable-for-all-blaine-a-griffin.html" target="_blank">affordability crisis</a>.

Lawsuit: Apartment complex shut out Section 8 renters

Fair Housing Center sues University Heights landlord over voucher bias.

The Fair Housing Center for Rights &amp; Research and five tenants have filed a lawsuit accusing Huntington Green Apartments in University Heights of illegally rejecting renters who use housing vouchers.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The complaint" data-vars-click-url="https://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.gov/i_DisplayDoc.aspx?i=_UwUuuJHxUWNFQi4jjC0G9m_qn_MwqVPVcT8H-M2QLaKQ4PXDCBQwLzO4Kx5f_CINCGi9HbzQZEJjvKNpy6wPaX-QTUr3n0O0&amp;id=DiAoKBLFMSZh9Ev3hPrgsQ2&amp;cid=cPAQ8CjamdQ1" data-vars-content-id="9613f44e-962b-4773-955c-f594ba7aa3bf" data-vars-headline="Lawsuit: Apartment complex shut out Section 8 renters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.gov/i_DisplayDoc.aspx?i=_UwUuuJHxUWNFQi4jjC0G9m_qn_MwqVPVcT8H-M2QLaKQ4PXDCBQwLzO4Kx5f_CINCGi9HbzQZEJjvKNpy6wPaX-QTUr3n0O0&amp;id=DiAoKBLFMSZh9Ev3hPrgsQ2&amp;cid=cPAQ8CjamdQ1" target="_blank">The complaint</a>, filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, argues the apartment complex violated a 2019 city ordinance that bars landlords from discriminating against tenants paying with Housing Choice vouchers, commonly known as Section 8.

Real Estate 🏠

Cleveland faith communities step into housing

Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side

Cleveland lands just outside hottest rental markets list

Former Notre Dame College heads to the auction block

Clifton Cleaners building to be reimagined as dual storefront