Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2026 Issue #6

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From the Desk of

Akron City Council President

Greetings!

Welcome to the Akron City Council Legislative Spotlight — your go-to source for staying informed, engaged, and connected to the work happening on behalf of our community.

This publication is designed to keep residents aware of the issues shaping Akron and the actions your City Council is taking to move our city forward.

Why the Spotlight Matters

Each issue is thoughtfully curated to help foster an informed and empowered community. Inside, you will find:

Legislative Updates: Key actions, decisions, and initiatives from City Council.
Council in Action: A closer look at how your Council is working to serve the people of Akron.
Akron Facts & Events: Community news, local highlights, and opportunities for involvement.

We believe that informed residents help build stronger neighborhoods — and ultimately, a stronger Akron.

Looking Ahead

We approach the year with optimism and determination. Together, we will address challenges, build on our progress, and advance policies that enhance quality of life across our city. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to stay engaged and partner with us in shaping Akron’s future.

Be sure to follow Akron City Council on Facebook and share the Legislative Spotlight with your neighbors, friends, and family.

Thank you for being an important part of Akron’s story. Now, let’s take a look at the latest updates from your City Council.

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, February 23, 2026

Ordinance No. 46-2026 authorizing a Conditional Use to construct an addition to a day care business center at 1264 Copley Road; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Garrett, Hannah, & Kammer absent).

Resolution No. 53-2026 declaring it necessary to improve Wendling Drive from Pelee Drive to East End, Pelee Drive 60 feet north of Wendling Drive and Arborway Drive 60 feet north of Wendling Drive by paving, grading, constructing and reconstructing curbs, concrete sidewalks, driveway approaches, storm sewers and sanitary sewers, installing roof drain pipes and planting trees, all together with the necessary appurtenances, and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. The City Assessor will serve notice of the adoption of this resolution and the filing of the estimated special assessments.

Resolution No. 56-2026 honoring the life and work of the Reverend Jesse Jackson; expressing condolences and sympathy to his family on his recent passing and recognizing his lasting impact on and civil rights advocacy in Akron and throughout Northeast Ohio; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. The City Administration and City Council are deeply saddened by the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died on February 17, 2026, and worked tirelessly to promote civil rights, economic justice, and social equality throughout his life.

Remember...

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

picture of guests during the February 23, 2026 Health & Social Services Committee meeting

Commission on Aging

The Health & Social Services Committee welcomed guests from the Commission on Aging at Monday's meeting. You can watch the meeting here.

Learn more about the Commission on Aging here.

image depicting the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 14, 2026 stepping off at noon on Main Street downtown

Check out the calendar on

Council's website for

upcoming Ward Meetings!

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

March 9, 2026

5:00 pm Special Meeting

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a defense education training facility at 1928 Eastwood Avenue.

(PC-2025-80-CU)

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to place a shed within the required setback at 844 E. Archwood Avenue.

(PC-2025-83-CU)

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to expand the zoo on property south of Diagonal Road and east of Auldfarm Road (Parcel Nos. 6701439 and 6761223).

(PC-2025-91-CU)

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.

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.

Suspension of the Rules:

Allows Council, upon a two-thirds vote, to temporarily suspend or set aside the Rules of Procedure for Council. This motion is most commonly used to pass legislation as an emergency.

(See below for more information about declaring an emergency.)