Columbus-Area Projects Seek Millions in State Capital Funding

From zoo aquariums to museum renovations, at least 85 local initiatives are vying for state budget dollars.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:04am

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A wide range of projects in and around Columbus, Ohio are seeking investments from the state's upcoming 2026 capital budget, including a new aquarium at the zoo, renovations to the Columbus Symphony hall, and affordable housing redevelopments. The list of at least 85 requests spans nonprofits, municipalities, and cultural institutions, with the largest individual ask topping $5 million.

Why it matters

The state capital budget provides crucial funding for infrastructure, community development, and cultural projects across Ohio. This year's requests from the Columbus region reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the growing metropolitan area, from expanding recreational and educational opportunities to preserving historic sites and increasing affordable housing.

The details

The Ohio General Assembly will likely vote this summer on what to include in the 2026 capital budget, which provides funding for projects across the state. Local nonprofits, municipalities, and other organizations have submitted at least 85 requests from the Columbus area, ranging from $45,000 to upgrade a youth facility to over $5 million for a new community campus. Some of the largest individual asks include $5 million for affordable housing redevelopment, $5 million for a youth education and soccer hub, and $2.5 million for renovations to the Columbus Museum of Art.

  • The Ohio General Assembly votes on a capital budget every two years.
  • In June 2024, lawmakers approved $4.2 billion for such projects across the state.
  • The 2026 capital budget is expected to be voted on this summer.

The players

Rep. Allison Russo

A Democratic state representative from Upper Arlington who provided the list of local capital budget requests to The Dispatch.

Nuveen

A global investment firm that last year sought $75 million in public funding, split between Columbus, Franklin County, and the state, for a $1.2 million affordable housing redevelopment project.

Final Third Foundation

A local nonprofit requesting over $5 million for its F3 HUB, a community campus near Easton Town Center that combines education and soccer programming for youth.

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What they’re saying

“There are no capital requests in Columbus for pro sports facilities, per Russo's list. In the past, capital budgets have funded pro sports, but many of those asks are now being posed to a special grant program created by Ohio using unclaimed funds.”

— Rep. Allison Russo, State Representative

What’s next

The Ohio General Assembly is expected to vote on the 2026 capital budget this summer, determining which local projects in the Columbus region will receive state funding.

The takeaway

This year's diverse array of capital budget requests from the Columbus area highlights the region's evolving needs, from cultural institutions and recreational facilities to affordable housing and community development. The state's funding decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ohio's dynamic capital city and its surrounding communities.