Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #23

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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 30, 2025

Ordinance No. 219-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to accept and expend a grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Boyes, Davis, & Kammer absent). The City, in partnership with the United Way of Summit & Medina, has received a grant of $50,000 from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to support a program offering the public free counselor-provided financial coaching. Learn more about the Financial Empowerment Center here.

Resolution No. 221-2025 formally adopting the Master Tree Planting Plan; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Boyes, Davis, & Kammer absent). The Master Tree Planting Plan was last revised October 2016 and is available to view here.

Ordinance No. 222-2025 amending and/or supplementing Title 9, “General Provisions,” Chapter 101, “Trees and Shrubs,” Sections 101.12, “Planting Map” and 101.14, “Ordering Improper Conditions to be Remedied—Notice and Appeal” of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Akron; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Boyes, Davis, & Kammer absent). This legislation updates the Municipal Code to include objections to tree plantings. When the Director of Public Service or his authorized agent seeks to plant a tree or trees in a particular adjoining property pursuant to the Master Tree Planting Plan, they shall serve a written notice to the owner, agent, occupant, tenant, or other person in charge of the premises informing them of their intention to plant a tree or trees. Any person affected by this can submit a written request for hearing along with a non-refundable deposit of fifteen dollars to the Director of Public Service within 7 days of the notice. The Director of Public Service or his designee will schedule a hearing before the Tree Commission. Upon consideration of the evidence presented at the hearing, the Tree Commission shall make a final recommendation to the Director of Public Service, who may accept, reject or modify the recommendation.

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!

Welcome Summer Owen!

We're thrilled to welcome Summer Owen as the newest member of our team!

Summer joins us as the Deputy Clerk of Council. She previously served as the Deputy Clerk of Council for the City of Fairlawn. She is a member of the Ohio Municipal Clerks Association, Northeast Ohio Municipal Clerks Association, and is the current Vice President of the Tri County Clerk Association.

Please join us in giving Summer a warm welcome!

Municipal Offices Will be Closed

on Friday, July 4th in observance

of Independence Day.

There will be no curb service on Friday, July 4th. There will be a one-day delay for the remainder of the week.

See the full trash/recycling schedule and more information here.

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.

Rule 6.18

Zoning Changes:

If zoning changes, requests for zoning changes, or Conditional Zonings are rejected or withdrawn after a public hearing before Council, these shall not be considered again for twenty four (24) months, unless a majority of Council vote to consider such request prior to the expiration of the 24 month period.

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.