From the Desk of the Council President

Hello Joan,

Welcome to This Week’s Edition of the Council’s Legislative Spotlight!

To our new subscribers—welcome! We’re thrilled to have you join our growing community of engaged Akronites. And to our loyal readers—thank you for your continued support and curiosity about how local government shapes our everyday lives.

As we enter May in Akron’s historic Bicentennial year, there’s a renewed sense of pride in our city’s legacy—and in the civic engagement that will shape its future. For 200 years, Akron has stood as a place of innovation, resilience, and community spirit. This milestone reminds us that our voices and our awareness matter now more than ever.

Recent developments—both nationally and here in Ohio—continue to impact Akronites in meaningful ways. From federal budget debates that could influence community grants and healthcare programs, to Ohio’s push for infrastructure funding and small business tax reforms, policy decisions being made today will ripple through our neighborhoods tomorrow.

Right here in Akron, these discussions take on deeper relevance. Infrastructure talks align with our city’s ongoing revitalization efforts, including transit upgrades and neighborhood development. Ohio’s focus on affordable housing parallels Akron’s commitment to creating inclusive, accessible living spaces for all residents.

Each edition of the Legislative Spotlight is crafted with you in mind. Here’s what you can expect every week:

• Legislative Updates: A breakdown of what your City Council covered during Monday’s meeting—key decisions, discussions, and what they mean for you.

• Terminology Explained: We unpack complex terms and phrases so you always understand what’s really being said.

• Council Facts: Insight into how Council works, who represents you, and how you can get involved.

• Community Events: From Bicentennial celebrations to neighborhood gatherings, we highlight opportunities to connect, contribute, and celebrate Akron.

As we honor Akron’s past, we’re just as focused on building a transparent, informed, and empowered future. When we understand the decisions being made—and the language they’re made in—we’re all better equipped to shape the community we want to live in.

Share the Spotlight! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to subscribe. An informed Akron is a stronger Akron—and it starts with each of us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to build a vibrant, engaged, and forward-looking community—together.

                                                  Sincerely,

                                                             Margo Sommerville 

                                 Council President

                                                   Ward 3 Council Member

311- Akron's One Call to City Hall

If you have a specific city issue that you'd like to see resolved (a pothole, water leak, tree down, missed trash collection, etc.), you can enter it in the online system, call 311, or download

the "MyAkron311" app.

The app is available for free on all Apple or Android devices in the app store.

After downloading, residents can create a profile, enter a service request, look up timely city information, and set up notifications specific to their address such as trash/recycling collection reminders.

Public Comment Period

A public comment period is held at each regularly scheduled Council meeting, where up to ten (10) members of the public may address Council on matters within Council's authority. No member of the public shall be permitted to address Council during the public comment period more than once every 30 days.

Those who wish to participate in the public comment period of a regular Council meeting need to submit a public comment form by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting.

The sign-up form is available here.

This brief video demonstrates how to fill out the form.

For those that do not have a mobile device/computer to utilize, or need additional assistance, Council staff is available to help.

Signing up is a requirement of Council Rules, similar to other bodies.