Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday he’s been spending time in Cleveland recently to better understand the dynamics between public officials – who want to see the Cleveland Browns stay on city’s lakefront – and the team, which is seeking a massive public subsidy to build a domed stadium and retail project in the suburb of Brook Park.

Speaking with reporters in Columbus on Thursday morning, DeWine said he’ll have been in Cleveland three times in a week to learn more about the issue. He said he plans to meet Friday with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.

DeWine said he’s trying to better understand Bibb’s position that the team should renovate Huntington Bank Field and to learn more about the city’s waterfront development plans in general.

“I’m in a fact gathering process at this point,” DeWine said.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam announced in October they want to leave the lakefront when the stadium lease is up at the end of 2028. The Haslams said they prefer to build a $1.2 billion domed stadium that they say would be better for fans and would attract a range of new events to the region.

Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne have insisted the Browns stay in Cleveland to preserve and build upon the hundreds of million of dollars in public and private development. The city recently produced a study that said it would suffer a huge financial loss if the Browns left the city.

The Browns owners argue renovating the existing stadium doesn’t make financial sense in the long run for the city or them. Talks about that nearly $ 1 billion renovation on the lakefront have ended for now. The team owners said they considered the possibility of using Burke Lakefront Airport but ruled out that option as unrealistic because it could be years before the space is available and may not be suitable for the style stadium they envision.  

The Browns have said they want to split the costs of the Brook Park stadium with taxpayers and are hoping to convince state officials to contribute to the project they see as one of the largest economic development projects in the state. Meanwhile, DeWine and his aides are developing their plan for a state budget bill, which could include money for such a project. DeWine’s administration is expected to introduce its budget to lawmakers next month. Lawmakers have until to the end of June to approve it.

DeWine discussed his budget plans, the Browns and other topics on Thursday as he held an annual end-of-year gathering with reporters who cover the Statehouse, including Signal Statewide.

Asked if he thinks the Browns are definitely moving to Brook Park, DeWine declined to answer the question directly. 

“What I want to do is try to understand everything that’s going on in regard to big, big issues in Cleveland, what people are trying to accomplish,” DeWine said.