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:
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Legislative Updates: A breakdown of what your City Council covered during Monday’s meeting—key decisions, discussions, and what they mean for you.
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Terminology Explained: We unpack complex terms and phrases so you always understand what’s really being said.
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Council Facts: Insight into how Council works, who represents you, and how you can get involved.
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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
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Legislative Highlights From Monday, May 19, 2025
Ordinance No. 176-2025 authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a dual-use cannabis dispensary at 235 E. Waterloo Road; and declaring an emergency. (Public Hearing was held 3/17/25) Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0.
Ordinance No. 181-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into contract or contracts, after publicly advertising for bids, requesting and receiving quotes and/or self-performing work for Firestone Park improvements including new exercise equipment at Heintz-Hillcrest Park, authorizing the expenditure of funds; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Exercise equipment is necessary to promote physical activity, fitness, inclusivity, and support holistic health and mental well-being for all ages. Check out Recreation and Parks for programs, activities, and events that take place at community centers, parks, and public spaces.
The following pieces of legislation were read in and the
Committees requested Time.
Ordinance amending Sections 30.14 and 30.99 of the Akron Code of Ordinances; repealing section 30.15 of the Akron Code of Ordinances; and declaring an emergency. This legislation seeks to update the Municipal Code to eliminate filing an additional copy of Campaign Finance Reports with the Clerk of Council. This information is required by State Law to be filed with the Summit County Board of Elections. The information is available to the public online, so requesting candidates to file an additional copy with the Clerk of Council is duplicative. Information on Campaign Finance is available here. You can view the discussion during the Rules Committee here.
Ordinance authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts, after requesting and receiving Requests for Proposals (RFPs), for the purpose of completing a comprehensive review of the Akron Police Department Use of Force Policy; and declaring an emergency. You can view the discussion during the Public Safety Committee here.
Remember...
You can see all the legislation discussed during the meeting at: https://onlinedocs.akronohio.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/
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Special Meeting May 16, 2025
Council held a special meeting on Friday, May 16th.
ORDINANCE NO. 175-2025 rejecting the report and recommendations of the Fact Finder, dated May 12, 2025, in the matter of City of Akron and Fraternal Order of Police, Akron Lodge No. 7, Case No. 2024-MED-09-1076; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 11, Nays: 2 (Fusco and McKitrick).
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Council Clean Up
On Saturday morning, several Council members and staff worked with
Keep Akron Beautiful to clean up the on/off ramps along Copley Road.
Keeping Akron Beautiful is a team effort. Every resident plays a vital role in creating a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant city. Let's continue working together to keep our city clean, safe, and beautiful!
Check out Keep Akron Beautiful's website for ways you can get involved!
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City of Akron
Sports and Wellness
Community Grant
Applications are open now and must be submitted by May 31, 2025 at 11:59pm.
Completed applications can be emailed to Youth Opportunity Strategist Denico Buckley-Knight at dbuckley-knight@akronohio.gov.
Learn more here.
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Check out the calendar on
Council's website for
upcoming Ward Meetings!
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Council will not meet on
Monday, May 26th, 2025
in observance of Memorial Day.
City offices will be closed.
There will be a one-day delay for trash pick up.
For the full year schedule,
Frequently Asked Questions, or to report a problem with trash pick up, click here.
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Your Council Representative
Is Available to Serve You!
There are several ways to reach your Ward Representative:
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Upcoming Open Comment
Public Hearings
June 9, 2025
5:00 p.m.
Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a mixed-use development at 33 Dorcas Avenue.
Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to place a digital outdoor advertising display at I-76/Englewood Avenue (PN 6761681).
Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a four-unit apartment house at 2340-2342 17th Street, S.W.
Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct a six-feet in height solid fence beyond the building line at 649 Megglen Avenue.
Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a vape shop at 822 W. Market Street.
Notices are posted on our website at least 15 days before the meeting.
Suppose the Ordinance is a Conditional Use (Zoning measure). In that case, a notice is also mailed to the owners and residents of property within, contiguous to, and directly across the street from the property involved in the Ordinance (per Charter Section 34). Notices are also published in the Akron Beacon Journal.
You do not need to fill out any forms to participate. You can attend in-person in Council Chambers or remotely via videoconference.
Those wishing to attend remotely need to notify the Clerk of Council, as outlined in the meeting notice, to receive the information to join remotely.
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Please Help Us Get The Word Out!
Enjoying the Legislative Spotlight?
Why not share it with your friends and neighbors? The QR code will take them directly to the sign-up page on
our website.
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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.
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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.
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Chairperson:
The member of Council who presides over a particular committee and its meetings. In the absence of the chairperson the vice-chairperson shall preside over the committee.
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You can view the Rules of Procedure for Akron City Council here.
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Are You a New Legislative Spotlight Subscriber?
You can see past issues of the
Legislative Spotlight on our website.
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Margo Sommerville, President
166 S. High Street, 3rd Floor
Akron, OH 44308
www.akroncitycouncil.org
(330) 375 - 2256
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