Council approves $8 million commitment for Farmer Music Center after extended debate

Cincinnati City Council voted to commit $8 million in capital funds toward the proposed Farmer Music Center, a $160 million project that would move the Riverbend Music Center onto city land and create a new amphitheater and year-round performance venue.

Council member Albee, the resolution sponsor, said the city contribution represents roughly 5% of the project’s capital stack and argued the city would recoup the investment in increased tax revenue. “We expect to earn back this investment in roughly 5 years,” Albee said, adding that the city would collect admissions and earnings tax revenue once the venue opens and that the allocation is contingent on standard underwriting and review by the administration.

Opponents said the timing and source of funds were unclear given the city’s budget challenges. President Johnson urged holding the item for more vetting, saying, “Dollars 8,000,000 right now in 2026 facing a $35,000,000 deficit, what message are we sending to those that are hungry in the city?” Several council members and residents asked for a clearer accounting of the funding gap, inclusion goals, and whether the $8 million would trigger prevailing-wage requirements.

Union representatives told council that any public capital invested in private construction can trigger prevailing wage under state law. Phil Bovard of the Greater Cincinnati Building and Construction Trades Council pointed to Ohio law and urged a development agreement, certified payroll and audit rights if the city invests public dollars.

Council debate centered on competing priorities and process: sponsors and supporters emphasized private fundraising already raised (the CSO reported $76 million raised to date) and projected economic benefits—Albee’s presentation cited an estimate of $1.5 million in admission-tax revenue per year and $100 million in annual regional economic impact—while critics pressed for clarity about what projects might be deferred to free $8 million in capital funds. Several council members said the funding commitment remains contingent on final budget approval, and that the final appropriation will be considered when the council adopts the fiscal-year 2027 budget.

President Johnson moved a procedural motion to hold the item for additional vetting; the council voted on that procedural motion and then proceeded to a roll call on the resolution. On the roll call for the resolution, council members Owens, Walsh, Albee, Krammerding, James and Nolan voted yes; Jeffries, Johnson and Vice Mayor Kearney voted no. The resolution passed with a 6–3 tally.

Council members and staff said further financial review and a funding-agreement negotiation would follow the verbal commitment. Albee noted the Office of Strategic Growth had met with CSO representatives and that the budget process allows adjustments ahead of the final budget vote in June.