Cleveland

blue

Axios Cleveland Partners

Cleveland Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Cleveland with Sam Allard and Troy Smith.

Axios Cleveland

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Cleveland.

Axios Cleveland Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Cleveland Members

Membership

Springsteen returns to Ohio at another political flashpoint

The May 22 concert at Rocket Arena is part of the Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour.

Music

Bruce Springsteen heads to Cleveland on Friday at yet another political inflection point.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert at Rocket Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/springsteen-e-street-260522" data-vars-content-id="ccc3928c-f516-4087-b51c-bb452d240b17" data-vars-headline="Springsteen returns to Ohio at another political flashpoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/springsteen-e-street-260522" target="_blank">concert at Rocket Arena</a> is part of the Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour, with the anti-Trump rallying cry &quot;No Kings&quot; splattered across promotional posters.

Cleveland's Flock fight heads to city council

Bibb won't bypass lawmakers this time on the controversial license plate reader contract.

News

After pressure from Cleveland City Council members and activists, Mayor Justin Bibb on Monday said the administration would seek council approval for an extension of the city&#x27;s contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/05/13/resistance-flock-cameras-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="13a94ee9-832f-43b7-8de3-b6a1d5337cd7" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s Flock fight heads to city council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/05/13/resistance-flock-cameras-cleveland" target="_self">Flock Safety</a> for automated license plate readers.Why it matters: Bibb has drawn the ire of the council — especially the vocal safety committee chair, Mike Polensek — for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extending contracts" data-vars-click-url="https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-shotspotter-gunshot-detection-renewal-city-council/" data-vars-content-id="13a94ee9-832f-43b7-8de3-b6a1d5337cd7" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s Flock fight heads to city council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-shotspotter-gunshot-detection-renewal-city-council/" target="_blank">extending contracts</a> through the city&#x27;s Board of Control, sidestepping council approval.

Cleveland slides one spot in annual parks rankings

The Forest City continues to earn high marks for access and amenities, but hurt by below-average acreage

Environment

Cleveland has slipped from No. 30 to No. 31 in the Trust for Public Land&#x27;s ParkScore rankings. The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" data-vars-content-id="a9bc4f57-fafa-4e4d-8fdc-3128adafe04d" data-vars-headline="Cleveland slides one spot in annual parks rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" target="_blank">annual report</a> ranks the 100 most populous U.S. cities&#x27; park systems relative to one another based on five categories: access, acreage, amenities, equity, and investment.

From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list

Past ceremonies have featured guests including Taylor Swift, Julia Roberts and Paul McCartney.

One of the best parts of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/rock-hall-2026-ceremony-cleveland-return" data-vars-content-id="2a9ecf65-c504-4620-912f-1b3d58fa0dc2" data-vars-headline="From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/rock-hall-2026-ceremony-cleveland-return" target="_self">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</a> ceremony is watching celebrities turn into fanboys and girls for their favorite music artists.The intrigue: The Rock Hall is usually tight-lipped about the list of special guests, but we couldn&#x27;t resist making our picks for who might show up for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="class of 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/2026-rock-hall-inductees-iron-maiden-wu-tang" data-vars-content-id="2a9ecf65-c504-4620-912f-1b3d58fa0dc2" data-vars-headline="From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/2026-rock-hall-inductees-iron-maiden-wu-tang" target="_self">class of 2026</a> on Nov. 14 in L.A.<ul><li>There are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A LOT of inductees" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/2026-inductees/" data-vars-content-id="2a9ecf65-c504-4620-912f-1b3d58fa0dc2" data-vars-headline="From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/2026-inductees/" target="_blank">A LOT of inductees</a> this year, so we&#x27;re only picking presenters for the honorees in the &quot;Performer&quot; category.</li></ul>

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

Real Estate

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.

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.

Clevelanders still looking local, even as more home shoppers eye moves

When Clevelanders do look elsewhere, their top targets are other Ohio cities.

In the Cleveland area, nearly 42% of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="http://realtor.com/" data-vars-content-id="826b3547-b67c-4b97-ae57-6c26101cd34d" data-vars-headline="Clevelanders still looking local, even as more home shoppers eye moves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://realtor.com/" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> listing views between April and June went to homes located outside the metro area.Why it matters: That&#x27;s the second-lowest percentage among the nation&#x27;s 100 largest metros.

Detroit Free Press sues for records tied to Dan Gilbert empire

The Cavs owner has reaped hundreds of millions in taxpayer-backed incentives.

The Detroit Free Press has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2025/08/19/dan-gilbert-detroit-tax-break-lawsuit-hudsons-michigan-brownfield/85647894007/" data-vars-content-id="23643d1f-ecda-48cc-84ae-1148f39345e9" data-vars-headline="Detroit Free Press sues for records tied to Dan Gilbert empire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2025/08/19/dan-gilbert-detroit-tax-break-lawsuit-hudsons-michigan-brownfield/85647894007/" target="_blank">filed</a> a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to compel the Michigan Department of Treasury to disclose documents related to economic development subsidies.Why it matters: The big beneficiary of those subsidies has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dan Gilbert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/10/dan-gilbert-nba-wnba-cleveland-clinic-center" data-vars-content-id="23643d1f-ecda-48cc-84ae-1148f39345e9" data-vars-headline="Detroit Free Press sues for records tied to Dan Gilbert empire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/10/dan-gilbert-nba-wnba-cleveland-clinic-center" target="_self">Dan Gilbert</a>, who owns the Cleveland Cavaliers but whose Rock family of companies — including real estate arm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bedrock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bedrockdetroit.com/our-story/" data-vars-content-id="23643d1f-ecda-48cc-84ae-1148f39345e9" data-vars-headline="Detroit Free Press sues for records tied to Dan Gilbert empire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bedrockdetroit.com/our-story/" target="_blank">Bedrock</a> — is headquartered in Detroit.

A symbol map of 54 U.S. metro areas showing estimated change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026. Rents decreased in 34 metros, mostly in the South, and increased in 20 metros, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Virginia Beach increased the most, by 5.3%, and Austin decreased the most, by 5.9%.

Change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026

🏠 Mapped: HOA fees

🏠 Mapped: Ohio HOA fees

A map shows the share of homes listed for sale in 2025 that included HOA fees, by state. On average, 43.6% of listings included HOA fees. The states where HOA fees were most often included were Nevada (68%), Arizona (65%) and Florida (65%).

Share of homes listed for sale with HOA fees, 2025

🤑 Homebuyers are scoring deals

More than half of Cleveland homes sold below asking in 2025

A bar chart showing the average price difference among homes that sold below their original list price. On average, homes sold for 7.8% less than asking. Homes in West Palm Beach, Fla, Detroit and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. went for 10-11% below asking. Homes in the Cleveland metro area went for 9% below asking.

Real Estate 🏠

Former Notre Dame College heads to the auction block

Clifton Cleaners building to be reimagined as dual storefront

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

🏠 Mapped: Ohio HOA fees

More than half of Cleveland homes sold below asking in 2025