Message from Mayor Kapszukiewicz
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Amid the public health and economic challenges we face nationwide, Toledo this week scored kudos for its economic development success.
Our city was recognized by a leading economic development publication that ranked Toledo as the number two manufacturing region in the United States, compared to areas of the same size.
Business Facilities Magazine lauded Toledo and the historical strength of the city’s metropolitan workforce and our advancement with new technologies.
This recognition follows praise from Site Selection Magazine, which has consistently ranked Toledo among the top in the nation for economic development among mid-size cities.
Toledo has been very successful in attracting new manufacturing projects over the past few years. Major projects by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and General Motors alone have resulted in more than
800 new jobs and over $2 billion of investment into our community
. The city and our partners are hard at work to continue to strengthen our community’s competitive advantage for manufacturing operations. We stay updated on the latest trends and needs of the advanced manufacturing industry through partnerships with our existing companies. Manufacturing is part of our community’s DNA.
I want to thank our internal economic development team, the Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio, and all of the other partners who help promote our region.
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My family and I have adhered to the statewide mask mandate since it was implemented. Evidence shows wearing masks, hand-washing, and social distancing are our best tools to fight COVID-19. Thanks again to everyone who is helping to defeat this virus. (Free COVID-19 testing is available. Go to
this link
for more information.)
The governor this week announced a rule banning alcohol sales at bars and restaurants after 10 p.m., which the Ohio Liquor Control Commission approved. Governor DeWine said he has "grave concerns" about the spread of coronavirus in those establishments. Also, Toledo Public Schools
announced
this week that the coming school year will start with remote learning only. These sorts of decisions are being made because the coronavirus numbers in our country are moving in the wrong direction, and that is why we have to redouble our efforts.
This is not the summer any of use expected or wanted, but as I said at the beginning of this pandemic, please use this time to get closer with family members, consider performing acts of kindness for neighbors, or rediscover some of the many natural outdoor spaces in Toledo and our region.
I wish everyone a peaceful and fun weekend.
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Mask Giveaway For Toledo Residents
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The city of Toledo will provide three free disposable masks to each adult at a number of city events and parks during designated times, thanks to the generosity of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which donated 65,000 masks to Lucas County.
Masks will be given away from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.:
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Smith Park, 998 Dorr St. near the basketball courts off of Fernwood Avenue.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Navarre Park, 1001 White St., near the tennis court off of Navarre Avenue.
Masks will be given away during the next two Engage Toledo Drop Off Refuse and Recycling Events.
Those events are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 8, at DeVeaux School, 2620 West Sylvania Ave., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 22 at Longfellow Elementary School, 1955 West Laskey Rd.
Also, masks will be given to Seaway Marketplace, 1707 Cherry St., for free distribution to customers.
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The Toledo Police Department is asking residents to take the second Community Relations Survey.
The purpose of the survey is to gauge the relationship between Toledo Police and the residents of Toledo, and to provide critical data that will help determine how to better protect and serve the community.
The survey asks participants basic questions about themselves, questions about the Toledo Police Department, and about the City of Toledo. The information is kept confidential and residents are encouraged to fill it out, but are not required to.
In the
first survey’s results
, 77 percent of the 800 validated responses showed that respondents viewed the department favorably. Those initial results will be used as a benchmark when comparing data to be collected in 2020.
The mission of the Toledo Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Toledo by working in partnerships with the community to preserve life, enforce the law, provide quality services, reduce the fear of crime and to promote joint problem solving for safe, secure neighborhoods.
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"The information gathered from the survey will be utilized to support the mission of Toledo Police and show areas of weaknesses and strengths," Police Chief George Kral said. "The 2016 survey was a critical starting point and I am excited to see what improvements have been made based on data from the first survey and where we can improve now, four years later."
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The Toledo Human Relations Commission partnered with local organizations in taking a kindness pledge focused on recommitting ourselves to our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
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Each of us can do a simple act of kindness by smiling at a neighbor, donating to a local organization, or reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with during quarantine. Share your act of kindness with us by tagging the city and using the hashtags
#419Together
and
#KindessCampaign.
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Be sure to include a photo of you or your family signing the Kindness Pledge! Download the pledge at
this link
.
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Wednesday with Wade
Join us for another virtual "
Wednesdays With Wade
" with Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz at
4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5
.
You may post your questions for the mayor or city staff in the Facebook comments once it starts.
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Free Movie Night in The Park
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We will show Disney's Aladdin in Ottawa Park, 2200 Kenwood Blvd., at
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6
.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars!
Physical distancing protocols will be followed.
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Engage Toledo Drop Off Refuse and Recycling Event
Acceptable items include electronic waste, but no televisions, CRT monitors, or appliances; 10 tires, on or off the rim, but no commercial tires; documents; houseware goods; clothing; toys; bulky items, and refuse. Latex paint will be accepted for $1 per gallon.
Free disposable face masks will be provided to residents during this event, while supplies last. Each adult will be able to receive three free masks.
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By The Numbers
(year to date)
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59,776
potholes filled
2,720,767
pounds of debris cleared from streets with street sweepers
1,860,612
pounds of debris cleared from alleys
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153
water main breaks repaired
854,057
feet of sanitary sewers cleaned
8,478
feet of storm sewers cleaned
4,574
building inspections completed
1,516
contractor licenses issued
632
trees trimmed
1,153
illegal signs removed
3,605
fire runs
29,786
EMS runs
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