Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #19

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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 move into June and gear up for a host of summer activities during 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

Legislative Highlights From Monday June 2, 2025

Ordinance No. 186-2025 authorizing the Director of the Department of Planning and Urban Development to enter into a contract or contracts with Let’s Grow Akron, Inc. for the provision of the Akron Grows public gardening program in order to carry out the intent and purpose of programs under the Consolidated Plan for the year 2025; authorizing payment therefore; and declaring an emergency. Learn more about Let's Grow Akron here.

The following appointments were introduced to the Public Safety Committee. The Committee requested Time. You can view the Public Safety Committee meeting here.

Resolution approving and confirming the appointment by Akron City Council of Donzella Anuszkiewicz to the Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, as established by Charter Section 68a; and declaring an emergency.

Resolution approving and confirming the appointment by Akron City Council of Juanita Elton to the Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, as established by Charter Section 68a; and declaring an emergency.

Resolution approving and confirming the appointment by Mayor Malik of Christopher Weems and Duane Crabbs, to the Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, as established by Charter Section 68a; and declaring an emergency.

Remember...

You can see all the legislation discussed during the meeting at: https://onlinedocs.akronohio.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/

Public Hearts in Motion

On Saturday, May 31st, Team Public Hearts in Motion walked at the American Heart Association Greater Akron Heart Walk. Thanks to our team captain, Dr. Joan Williams, Council Chief of Staff and all who participated or donated to this important cause. The team was proud to exceed our fundraising goal, raising an inspiring $3,680!

Learn more about the American Heart Association here.

Check out the calendar on

Council's website for

upcoming Ward Meetings!

Your Council Representative

Is Available to Serve You!

There are several ways to reach your Ward Representative:

View their information on the Council's website .
Attend their ward meeting .
Call or email them.

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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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.

Committee:

A smaller group of members of Council that meet to consider legislation before it is considered or voted upon by all of Council. Standing committees are established by the Rules of Procedure of Council and have five members each. Special committees are appointed by the President. Committee meetings take place on Monday afternoons.

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You can view the Rules of Procedure for Akron City Council here.