Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2026 Issue #14

Watch Meetings

Find My Ward

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 20, 2026

Ordinance No. 114-2026 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts with National Testing Network, after publicly advertising for bids, to conduct promotional testing for the Akron Fire Department for the Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, and Fire District Chief ranks; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 0. The City of Akron has utilized various vendors over the years to support its Public Safety promotional testing processes. National Testing Network (NTN) has prior experience working with the City through background investigation services for the Fire Division and the 911 Center and entry-level testing for the Police Division. NTN’s familiarity with Akron’s organizational structure, culture, and operational needs provides continuity and a strong foundation for expanded services.

Remember...

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

Council At-Large Vacancy

Eighteen candidates submitted their letter of interest in serving as the At-Large Council representative. Councilman Brad McKitrick withdrew his name on Monday, April 20th. The Screening Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 22nd. They intend to go into private Executive Session in order to interview the remaining applicants. Per Resolution No. 98-2026, the election to fill the vacancy will take place on April 27, 2026.

flyer for April 24, 2026 Arbor Day event at Lane Field from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

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

Letter carrier's food drive flyer Saturday, May 9th

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.