Akron · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Akron public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Leaf Pickup
Akron's yearly leaf collection is shaking things up starting November 9 by ditching the old ward schedules in favor of 48-hour street sign warnings. If you miss the sign, you might miss your chance to get your leaves cleared.
Police Vehicular Pursuit Policy Review
Council discussed a resolution urging the administration to evaluate limiting high-speed pursuits for low-level, non-violent offenses to protect public safety.
Green v. City of Akron Settlement Bond Financing
The city is issuing $4.75 million in bonds to finance a court-approved settlement in a federal lawsuit. Council members questioned the recurring legal payouts and the financial impact on the city.
Consent Decree Fourth Amendment
Federal authorities recently published notice of a fourth amendment to Akron's long-standing water consent decree, which would save ratepayers $300 million by relying on daily wastewater treatment instead of building an expensive underground storage facility.
Flock Surveillance Camera Pause and Oversight
Council members and community advocates debated the continued use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, prompting a resolution to pause the program until an independent audit is completed. Police officials announced that Akron police have opted out of nationwide searches to address privacy concerns.
Water Main Breaks and Lead-Free Infrastructure Progress
The city is proposing an 18% increase on the water portion of utility bills starting in 2027 to fund critical water main replacements and infrastructure upgrades. Officials noted that aging pipes are causing a record 500 water main breaks this year, and proactive investment is needed to avoid regulatory enforcement.
Municipal Surveillance Technology Oversight
City Council debated and narrowly approved a resolution urging a 60-second pre-activation look-back feature for police body cameras. Supporters argue it increases transparency and evidence gathering, while opponents worry about data storage costs and potential impacts on officer morale.
River Safety Tool Upgrade
Akron is upgrading its CUYAC real-time river safety tool for the Cuyahoga River to help kayakers and boaters stay out of trouble. It's a quick tech fix to make hitting the water a whole lot safer.
Streetlight Repairs
Akron residents have been left in the dark for over three years waiting for a simple streetlight fix on Palisades Drive. If you've got a busted light on your block, it's time to learn the proper channels to finally get the city's attention.
Streetlight Maintenance
Tired of stumbling in the dark? Akron is rolling out a timeline for fixing broken streetlights in Merriman Hills and showing residents how to report dead bulbs.
Commercial Demolition and Neighborhood Revitalization
Community advocates and council members discussed strategies to combat neighborhood blight, including enhanced code enforcement, anti-blight ordinances, and leveraging municipal vehicle cameras.
Tenant-landlord Ballot Issues
Akron voters are deciding on new tenant-landlord rules that could completely shake up local housing regulations for renters and landlords alike. If passed, expect big shifts in how everyday rental agreements and property management are handled in the city.
Ward 5 Environmental Safety and Industrial Emissions
Residents raised concerns about air quality, testing data, and industrial emissions near residential areas and child care centers in Ward 5, specifically regarding Altera's plastics pyrolysis facility.
Zoning and Vehicle Storage Restrictions
Property owners debated city zoning rules regarding vehicle storage limits on residential lots, highlighting challenges for large families and vehicle hobbyists.
ARC Data Center Expansion and Street Vacations
A local business owner urged the city to proactively protect freshwater resources from heavy consumption by proposed data centers.
Recovery Housing State Certification and Oversight
Council is considering a resolution to back House Bill 58, which creates state certification and stricter oversight for recovery housing providers.
Cole & Sweitzer Apartment Development
Manuel Smart is proposing to build a new six-unit apartment complex on vacant land at Cole and Sweitzer avenues. The project aims to bring new, modern multi-family housing to South Akron.
South Main Street 7-Eleven Rebuild
Speedway LLC wants to tear down an old auto shop and rebuild a modern 7-Eleven gas station and convenience store at South Main and Waterloo. The project includes improved driveways and stormwater reviews.
Road Conditions and Pothole Repairs
Residents voiced frustration over deteriorating street conditions, potholes, and a perceived disparity in road repairs between neighborhoods.
After-School Program Expansion and Youth Violence Prevention
The city is increasing funding for the Credible Messengers violence intervention program to $600,000, adding two new outreach workers to help curb community violence.
Housing Affordability and Homelessness Services
The city is partnering with EANDC to provide up to $7,500 in forgivable loans to help first-time homebuyers purchase homes in Akron.
Real Estate Anti-Discrimination Charter Amendment (Section 100A)
Voters will decide whether to add criminal history protections to Akron's charter for real estate transactions, giving the Civil Rights Commission jurisdiction. Discussion focused on whether the ballot language accurately reflected the petition's exceptions for sex and arson offenders.
Road Safety Infrastructure
Akron just put up new safety posts on Memorial Parkway to protect drivers and pedestrians. If you commute through there, your daily drive is going to feel a bit more secure.
Police Accountability and Oversight Board Appointments
Residents and council members debated police department statistics, use of force settlements, police union conduct, and calls for robust police reform.
Conditional Use Signage at 1960 W. Market Street
Residents and ward leadership pushed back against a large 24-foot pole sign for a commercial project on West Market Street, arguing it breaks previous commitments and crowds the neighborhood. Supporters argued the business deserves sign approval to support economic growth and aesthetics.
Police Traffic Stops and Window Tint Enforcement
Residents and council members debated whether window tint should be a secondary offense to reduce racial profiling and pretextual stops, while others expressed safety concerns about dark tint at night.
Beekeeping Code Updates
Advocates and county officials spoke in favor of updating Akron's apiary regulations to align with Ohio Department of Agriculture best management practices.
Highland Square Special Improvement District
Property owners in Highland Square established a special improvement district to fund enhanced safety, security, and beautification along the commercial corridor.
Traffic Safety Initiative
Akron's launching the Safe Streets 4 All initiative and wants your input to make local biking, walking, and driving safer. If you've got thoughts on how to fix sketchy roads in your neighborhood, now is the time to speak up.
City Prosecutor Appointment
Akron's mayor just brought in Jessica Connell as the new chief city prosecutor, shaking up local legal operations and city leadership. This means a fresh face is steering how the city handles prosecutions and court cases moving forward.
717 Credit Union Park Roof Replacement
The city approved a non-bid contract with Amrize Building Envelope LLC to fully replace the roof at 717 Credit Union Park.
Highland Square Liquor Permit Objection
City Council voted 9-4 to object to the liquor permit renewal for Highland Tavern on W. Market Street, citing police calls and code violations, while business representatives argued they were given inadequate notice and unfairly targeted.
Emergency Medical Services Equipment Maintenance
Council approved the purchase of two new frontline ambulances and advanced cardiac monitors to replace aging, high-mileage emergency units.
Opposition to State Drag Ban (HB 249)
Council passed a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 249, defending LGBTQ+ rights and expressing support for local residents.
Public Safety and Heat Response
Akron is opening up cooling centers to help everyone beat the dangerous heat wave hitting the area. If your AC is busted or you just need a break from the brutal temps, you can find a safe, air-conditioned spot nearby.
Police Union Social Media Post Controversy
Council members expressed deep concern and frustration over a mock meme posted by the Akron FOP union targeting At-Large Councilman Eric D. Garrett, Sr. Speakers called the post unprofessional and bullying, noting it undermines public trust and accountability.
Property Erosion and Drainage Concerns
A resident expressed concern over severe property erosion caused by a municipal storm drain pipe located in a ravine behind a Sandhurst Road property, impacting property lines near the Metro Parks system.
Stray Dogs and Animal Control Enforcement
The city approved a two-year animal control agreement with Summit County despite concerns over a reduction in available kennels and lack of independent auditing.
Ward 3 Disinvestment and Rausch's Market Recovery
Council members discussed historic disinvestment in Ward 3 and the recent tragic arson at Rausch's Market, emphasizing the need for targeted commercial investment and food access solutions.
State of the City address
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik just laid out his big plans for the year, focusing on teamwork and tackling local issues together. It's basically the city's roadmap for where your tax dollars and local efforts are actually going.
Waste Management Transfer Station Redevelopment Agreement
Council debated and approved a 25-year service and development agreement with Waste Management to close the burdensome Fountain Street transfer station and build a new facility on East Archwood Avenue. While neighborhood residents near Fountain Street supported the closure, some activists and Ward 5 Councilman Johnnie Hannah opposed moving the station to another part of Ward 5.
Federal Voting Rights Protection
Council condemned the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, calling on Congress to protect federal voting rights.
Lane Field Safety and Youth Sports
Parents and league representatives spoke about safety concerns and recent gunfire incidents near Lane Field where youth soccer teams are forced to practice instead of using the Copley Road complex.
Innerbelt Master Plan Support
The city is considering adopting the Interbelt Master Plan to guide the long-term redevelopment and reconnection of neighborhoods impacted by the uncompleted Interbelt highway. The plan includes form-based zoning, community advisory oversight, and short-term activation projects like the Legacy Building Project.
Wendling Drive Reconstruction and Assessment
Residents on Wendling Drive will see their deteriorated 1970s concrete street reconstructed into an asphalt roadway with new curbs, sidewalks, and storm sewers.
Summit Lake North Shore Park Operations Agreement
The city is partnering with the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition to manage daily operations, maintenance, and programming at Summit Lake North Shore Park.
Firestone Park Tennis Court and Playground Improvements
Akron is planning $150,000 in capital improvements to resurface tennis courts and upgrade playground structures at Firestone Park, aided by a possible USTA matching grant.
Council Vacancy Appointment Rules and Transparency
Council held a multi-round ballot election to fill the vacant At-Large council seat, ultimately appointing Mark Greer after intense debate and several nominations.
Urban Forestry and Tree Canopy Management
Akron is investing in planting 1,800 new trees while removing and trimming hazardous trees to expand the urban canopy, improve air quality, and manage stormwater runoff.
Stubbs Justice Center Facility Upgrades
The city is modernizing elevators at the Stubbs Justice Center and repurposing an unneeded elevator shaft into a utility chase to improve building efficiency and cooling.