Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #31

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From the Desk of the Council President

Greetings!

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 summer is winding down and the school year is underway, Akron is buzzing with fresh energy, renewed focus, and new opportunities for growth. Our students are back in the classroom, City Council is back from our annual recess, and the work of shaping policy and addressing the issues that matter most to you, our residents, continues.

This season of transition is also a season of possibility. From neighborhood revitalization projects to economic development, from public safety initiatives to education and youth programming, the conversations happening in Council chambers connect directly to the daily lives of Akron families. Now more than ever, your engagement ensures that these decisions reflect the priorities and values of our community.

We’re also excited to share another way to stay connected—Akron City Council's new Facebook page is gaining momentum! This platform serves as a hub for legislative updates, community spotlights, and important announcements, making it easier for you to follow and engage with the work of your Council in real time. Make sure you follow us!

Each edition of the Legislative Spotlight will continue to highlight the issues that impact us locally. 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 celebrations to neighborhood gatherings, we spotlight ways to connect, contribute, and celebrate Akron.

As we honor Akron’s rich past and step boldly into its future, we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Together, let’s make this season a time of learning, civic pride, and deeper community connection.

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 move forward with focus and purpose, together.

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, September 29, 2025

Ordinance No. 329-2025 authorizing the Mayor to accept the Continuum of Care Planning Grant funds with assurances and certifications with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorizing the Authorized Official listed in ESNAPS to enter into all necessary contracts for the operation and term of the programs; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 0 (DeShazior absent).

Ordinance No. 330-2025 authorizing the Director of the Department of Planning and Urban Development to enter into a contract or contracts with non-profit organizations, for the provision of public services in order to carry out the intent and purpose of programs under the Consolidated Plan for the year 2025; authorizing payment therefor; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 0 (DeShazior absent).

Ordinance amending and/or supplementing Title 5, “Public Works,” Chapter 50, “Sewers,” Article 2, “Sewer Charges,” Sections 50.20, “Definitions,” 50.21 “Levy of charges,” 50.22 “Sewer service charges,” and 50.23 “Charges outside the City” of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Akron; and declaring an emergency. A Substitute Offered as an Amendment was read in. The Public Service Committee requested to take time. If you missed the original presentation to the Public Service Committee- you can still watch it here.

Resolution supporting the efforts of the City administration and its partners in developing data-driven climate solutions after completing the latest greenhouse gas inventory for the City of Akron in 2025, which establishes a carbon pollution baseline that will inform climate action initiatives; and declaring an emergency. Director of Sustainability and Resiliency Casey Shevlin presented to the Public Service Committee. You can view that presentation here. The Public Service Committee requested to place this item on the Consent Agenda.

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!

In 2008, Akron City Council passed Ordinance No. 419-2008 declaring the last Saturday in October from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. as "Trick or Treat Night" in the City of Akron. Establishing a uniform date and time for trick or treating in the City eliminates confusion and allows for greater security and a safer environment for the participants. Citizens who wish to participate may indicate this by turning on their porch lights.

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

October 20, 2025

5:00 p.m. Special Meeting

Ordinance approving the Commerce Park Drive Redevelopment Plan.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a group home at 799 Stadelman Avenue.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a three-unit apartment at 892 Delia Avenue.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a parking area consisting of crushed asphalt grindings at 1100 Triplett Boulevard.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a beauty salon at 483 Howe Street.

Notices are posted on our website.

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). These 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.