Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #22

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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 your commitment to staying informed about how local government shapes our everyday lives.

As the school year comes to a close and summer officially begins, Akron is coming alive with energy, reflection, and celebration. With July just around the corner—and our nation’s Independence Day on the horizon—we’re reminded of the importance of civic participation, shared values, and the power of community voice.

This year, our city’s Bicentennial adds an even deeper layer of meaning to the season. For 200 years, Akron has been defined by innovation, resilience, and community spirit. As we gather for parades, cookouts, and fireworks, we also celebrate the legacy of a city built by and for the people—and we look ahead to the next chapter that we will help shape.

Recent developments—both nationally and here in Ohio—continue to impact Akronites in real and lasting ways. From federal budget decisions that could affect community grants and healthcare, to Ohio’s infrastructure and small business policy shifts, these issues touch everything from housing to transit to everyday affordability.

Here in Akron, these broader policies connect directly to our local priorities. Infrastructure conversations mirror our own revitalization efforts, including transit upgrades and neighborhood improvements. Statewide debates on housing and economic opportunity echo Akron’s push to create inclusive, accessible spaces where every resident can thrive.

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 simplify complex terms so you always know what’s really being said.

Council Facts: Learn how Council works, who represents you, and how you can make your voice heard.

Community Events: From Bicentennial happenings to neighborhood gatherings and July 4th festivities, we spotlight ways to connect, contribute, and celebrate Akron.

As we honor Akron’s rich past, we remain 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 make this summer a season of celebration, connection, and civic pride—together.

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, June 23, 2025

Resolution No. 214-2025 opposing the passage of Ohio General Assembly House of Representatives Bill 335, which would eliminate the acquisition of funding for certain local government entities and public institutions necessary for the continued operation of vital public services through inside millage; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. If passed, H. B. 335 will reduce public entities' capacity to provide vital public safety, education, and social services, potentially leading to public safety concerns and destabilizing funding shortages for public schools and institutions.

Ordinance No. 215-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts with the Akron International Soapbox Derby for the City of Akron to provide funding for operational support for planning and implementation of the 2025 Akron International Soap Box Derby; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Learn more about the Soap Box Derby here.

Ordinance No. 217-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts for services related to developing and/or facilitating a three-year pilot program to advance eligible residents’ access to legal counsel and reduce barriers to acquiring legal representation; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Read the Mayor's Press Release here. Watch the discussion during the Budget & Finance Committee here.

Remember...

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

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

Monday, July 14th

5:00 p.m. Special Meeting

Ordinance approving the City of Akron 2025-2029 Consolidated Strategy and 2025 Annual Action Plan.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to install a hi-rise sign at 61 S. Seiberling Street.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct a commercial building at 1518 Copley Road.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a vape shop at 1328 Copley Road.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a vape shop at 1252 E. Tallmadge Avenue.

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.

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.

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.

Conditional Uses:

Per Charter Section 34, when considering an ordinance or resolution changing the use area, and/or height classification of any zoning district, or any building line, or granting a conditional use in any zoning district, Council shall not act until it has held a public hearing on such legislation.

Council shall give public notice not less than fifteen (15) days before the date of the required hearing. The Clerk shall provide notice of such public hearing by first class mail to owners and residents of property within, contiguous to, and directly across the street from property involved in the ordinance, and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the city.

In addition to the notice methods required by Charter, we post these notices on our website and include them in this legislative spotlight.

Learn more about Conditional Uses by viewing the Municipal Code here.

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