Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2026 Issue #7

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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, March 2, 2026

Ordinance No. 59-2026 authorizing the Director of Public Service, or his designee, to enter into an agreement or agreements with Akron Children’s Museum to extend the term of Akron Children’s Museum’s facility lease; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Learn more about the Akron Children's Museum here.

Resolution No. 61-2026 acknowledging the accomplishments and impeccable career of Coach Orlando Green; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Pursuant to the support expressed by several community members and enthusiasm from Buchtel CLC staff, alumni, and community stakeholders, the City of Akron will pay tribute and honor to Coach Green by designating a portion of Orrin Street that leads into the Buchtel CLC parking area as "Orlando Green Way" to stand as a lasting tribute and inspiration for future generations.

Ordinance No. 62-2026 authorizing the Director of Public Service, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts, after publicly advertising for bids, for the emergency demolition of one (1) condemned residential structure located in the City of Akron; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0.

Resolution No. 64-2026 urging the Director of Public Service, or his designee, to rename Schneider Park to memorialize and honor those buried there and to provide future generations a place of reflection and remembrance; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. The Parks & Recreation Committee welcomed guests Dr. Carolyn Behrman and Jane Greenland. You can view their presentation to the Committee here.

Remember...

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

Recognizing Coach Orlando Green

The Planning & Economic Development Committee welcomed the family of Coach Orlando Green at their meeting. You can hear from them by watching the meeting here.

picture of Coach Orlando Green on the field

Project Acorn

Director of Sustainability & Resiliency Casey Shevlin and Watershed Superintendent Jessica Glowczewski presented to the Public Service, Public Utilities, & Green Committee about Project Acorn.

You can watch the presentation here.

Flyer with pictures of current Councilwomen and the women on staff of Akron City Council

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month! We'd like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the current Councilwomen serving on Akron City Council as well as the women on staff and thank them for their contributions!

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.

Operating Budget:

Council passed O-381-2025 which provided for the temporary appropriation of current expenses and other expenditures for the period of January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026. This is otherwise known as the operating budget.

Council will be reviewing the operating budget for 2026 in the coming weeks. They will need to pass legislation by March 31.