Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2026 Issue #13

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From the Desk of

Akron City Council President

Greetings!

Welcome to the Akron City Council Legislative Spotlight—your essential guide to staying informed, engaged, and connected to the legislative work driving our community forward.

This publication is designed to bridge the gap between City Hall and your front door, ensuring every resident is aware of the issues shaping our city and the deliberate actions your Council is taking to improve the lives of all Akronites.

Why the Spotlight Matters

We believe that an informed community is an empowered one. Each issue is carefully curated to provide you with transparency and clarity. Inside, you will find:

Legislative Updates: A breakdown of key ordinances, resolutions, and strategic initiatives.
Council in Action: Highlights of how your representatives are advocating for your interests in every ward.
Akron Community Hub: Local news, upcoming events, and direct opportunities for you to get involved.

Strong neighborhoods are built on communication and collaboration. By staying informed, you help us build a more resilient and vibrant Akron.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate the year’s challenges and opportunities, we do so with a clear vision and unwavering determination. From infrastructure and public safety to economic development and housing equity, our priority remains the same: moving Akron forward together.

Your perspective is vital to our success. We encourage you to remain an active partner in this journey—share your ideas, attend our meetings, and stay engaged with the process.

Stay Connected: Follow Akron City Council on Facebook and help us grow our reach by sharing this Spotlight with your neighbors, friends, and family.

Thank you for being a vital chapter in Akron’s ongoing story. Now, let’s dive into the latest updates from your City Council.

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, April 13, 2026

Ordinance No. 112-2026 authorizing the Director of Public Service, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts, after publicly advertising for bids, for design and preconstruction services for the Cuyahoga Street Storage Facility Treatment Improvements; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 11, Nays: 0 (Kammer absent).

Ordinance No. 113-2026 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts, without the formality of publicly advertising for bids, with Stryker Sales, LLC, for the purchase of two (2) power cots to support the delivery of EMS care and patient transport services; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 11, Nays: 0 (Kammer absent). The power cots are the same model as those the City currently uses and will be acquired for a discounted rate.

Remember...

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

Citizens' Police Oversight Board

Akron City Council

extended the application deadline to apply for the

Citizens' Police Oversight Board.

In anticipation of another impending vacancy, City of Akron residents from all ten wards are encouraged to apply.

Completed applications are due via email to

citizenoversight@akronohio.gov

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

See the full Press Release here.

At- Large Vacancy

A Town Hall was held on Tuesday, April 7th for residents to provide input on the appointment of a new At-Large Council Representative.

Council must fill the vacancy within 30 days, per the Charter. Council has set the date of the election as Monday, April 27th.

Akron residents interested in applying for the vacant At-Large Council seat are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume to the Clerk of Council via email to sbiviano@akronohio.gov.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.(Noon)

Clean Up Akron Month

There are several clean ups scheduled in collaboration with

Keep Akron Beautiful.

You can sign up to volunteer here.

Keep Akron Beautiful Ward 9 Clean up Day flyer

Keep Akron Beautiful Ward 2 Clean Up flyer

Ward 5 Meeting Flyer- April 16th from 6 to 7:30 pm at East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation

Check out the calendar on

Council's website for

upcoming Ward Meetings!

flyer advertising Tumble Together on Thursday, April 23 at The Wash House Laundromat 950 E. Market Street

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

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.

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.

flyer with a cell phone stating to call 311- Your one call to city hall.

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. Standing Committee meetings take place on Monday afternoons. Learn more about Committees here.