From the Desk of
Akron City Council President
Greetings!
Akron is moving — and you deserve a front-row seat.
Welcome to the Akron City Council Legislative Spotlight, your direct line to the decisions, debates, and developments happening right now at City Hall. No fluff. No runaround. Just the real work your Council is doing — for you, your block, and this city we all call home.
What’s Inside This Issue
Every Spotlight is packed with what matters most:
Legislative Updates — The ordinances and resolutions on the table, and what they mean for your daily life.
Council in Action — Your representatives, ward by ward, fighting for the neighborhoods that make Akron great.
Akron Community Hub — Local events, community news, and ways to make your voice heard.
Why It Matters
City Hall shouldn’t feel like a mystery. When you know what’s happening, you can shape what comes next. Informed neighbors become engaged neighbors — and engaged neighbors build stronger communities.
Whether we’re talking infrastructure, public safety, housing, or economic opportunity, the Spotlight keeps you plugged in and ready to act.
One Small Ask
If this newsletter speaks to you, share it. Forward it to a neighbor. Post it on your block’s Facebook group. Tag a friend who needs to know what’s happening in Akron. And if someone shared this with you — subscribe here so you never miss an issue.
Follow us on Facebook → Akron City Council
Now — let’s get into it. Here’s what your Council has been up to.
Sincerely,
Margo Sommerville
Council President
Ward 3 Council Member
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Legislative Highlights From Monday, September 28, 2026
Ordinance No. 294-2026 accepting a dedication plat for a portion of Miami Street, and a vacation plat for Gault Street and Star Street; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 1 (Wilson). The Planning Commission approved this at their August 14, 2026 meeting. This will allow ARK Data Center to assemble land, which will help them move forward with their planned expansion, keeping investment and jobs inside Akron. President Sommerville, who is the also the ward representative, shared these comments during the meeting.
Ordinance No. 295-2026 authorizing the Director of the Department of Planning and Urban Development, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Harmony House, Inc. a non-profit organization for the development of affordable, supportive housing units for homeless youths to carry out the intent and purpose of the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP); and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 0 (Greer abstained). Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 designating additional funding to cities specifically intended to provide housing, shelter and supportive services to persons experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking and other vulnerable populations at greatest risk of housing instability utilizing HOME Investment Partnership – American Rescue Plan act funds (HOME-ARP). Learn more about Harmony House here.
Ordinance No. 296-2026 determining to proceed with and levying special assessments for the public improvements and public services for the Highland Square Special Improvement District in accordance with the City of Akron Highland Square Special Improvement District, Inc.’s Services Plan approved by Ordinance No. 242-2026, all when and where necessary, all together with the necessary appurtenances thereto; approving the report of the Assessment Equalization Board; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 1 (Lombardo). The Assessment Equalization Board met on September 22, 2026 to consider the objections received and they determined to overrule and deny the objections.
Remember...
You can see all the legislation discussed during the meeting at: https://onlinedocs.akronohio.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/
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Men's Health Awareness
The Health & Social Services Committee welcomed guests Naomi Alestock, Practice Manager, and Jason Casey, DNP, APRN, CUNP of Summa Health to discuss the importance of men's health. You can view their full presentation here and learn more from the below flyer.
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Follow us on Facebook to stay informed on meetings, decisions, events, and opportunities to share your voice.
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The 2027 Neighborhood Partnership Grant is coming soon!
The Notice of Funding Opportunity will be available on our website on
October 7th.
The online application will be accepted from
October 14th to October 30th at noon.
See the below video for details:
| | You can learn more about Leaf Removal here. | | |
Check out the calendar on
Council's website for
upcoming Ward Meetings!
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We’re Making
Our Website
More Inclusive
with the
Recite Me Assistive Toolbar!
Visitors can now personalize their experience and access content in the way that works best for them.
Features include:
- Screen reading support
- Reading aids for focus and comprehension
- Customizable styling options
- Translation into 100+ languages
Explore the toolbar on our site today: https://www.akroncitycouncil.org
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Your Council Representative
Is Available to Serve You!
There are several ways to reach your Ward Representative:
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Upcoming Open Comment
Public Hearings
October 19, 2026
Ordinance amending/supplementing Title 15, “Land Usage”, Chapter 153 “Zoning Code”, Article 17, “Unified Planned Development District—Class UPD”, Section 153.534 “Class UPD-13 district” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Akron, 2004, to amend setback and other development requirements.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Trick or Treat:
In 2008, Akron City Council passed Ordinance No. 419-2008 declaring the last Saturday in October from 5:00 p.m. 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 eliminates confusion and allows for greater security and a safer environment for participants.
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Are You a New Legislative Spotlight Subscriber?
You can see past issues of the
Legislative Spotlight on our website.
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Margo Sommerville, President
166 S. High Street, 3rd Floor
Akron, OH 44308
www.akroncitycouncil.org
(330) 375 - 2256
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