Hello Akronites,



Welcome to the Innerbelt Master Plan Newsletter! In this edition, we are covering: the upcoming Akron Innerbelt Master Plan Launch Party and our recent conversation with the University of Akron’s [Un]Class!

Reconnecting Akron: Innerbelt Master Plan Launch Party is on October 23!

We are excited to announce our fourth and final open house for the Akron Innerbelt Master Plan will be on Thursday, October 23rd at the Akron Urban League from 5:30-8:00pm! After months of community input, stakeholder engagements, and design, we are excited to celebrate and recognize the community’s work over the past year, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed plan!

At the event, you will: 

• Learn about the Akron Innerbelt Master Plan, including design strategies, social impact tools, and implementation frameworks to support Akron residents.
• Celebrate the past year of work and input from the Akron community and see how it has been translated into the final plan.
• Hear from City leaders and the design team about what has gone into the plan and how it will transform Akron.

Please join us for this momentous occasion! We will have speakers begin short presentations at 6pm, and light refreshments will be served throughout. Event details and registration link below!

Time: Thursday, October 23 from 5:30pm to 8pm (Speakers begin at 6pm)

Location: Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd

Disconnected Communities: University of Akron's [Un]Class on the Innerbelt

Last week, we were thrilled to be able to have a discussion with some recent participants on one of the University of Akron’s [Un]Classes, focused specifically on the Innerbelt. [Un]classes break the mold of a traditional class by being unscripted, transdisciplinary, community-engaged courses that lead to real-world impact. They provide a uniquely Akron way to investigate topics of local relevance, generate meaningful solutions, and learn alongside community experts. 

In the Spring of 2025, Dr. Hillary Nunn led this course with a special focus on the Innerbelt, where students picked specific research topics related to urban renewal, housing practices, displaced businesses, and more, with the goal of outlining the impacts of urban renewal in Akron, which are still being felt today.

In our discussion, we were able to hear from two students, Cyrus Schultz and Israel Blodgett, who participated in the [Un]Class on the Innerbelt, learning about their work and research topics, and hearing about how the history of the Innerbelt is still impacting the current-day planning work. 

We invite you to take some time to listen to this lively discussion and review their research and insights on the Innerbelt!

That’s all for now! Thank you for your participation & support throughout this process! We’re excited to see you at the Launch Party on October 23rd!

Sincerely,



The Akron Innerbelt Master Plan Team