Akron City Council Addresses Federal Funding, Honors Community Recognition

Resolution seeks release of withheld education dollars Akron City Council passed a resolution urging federal officials to release $6 billion in education funding that affects local afterschool and summer programs. The funding, which was set to be distributed July 1, has been withheld by the federal Office of Management and Budget. Councilman Balden, who sponsored the resolution, said the delay creates an $800,000 gap for Akron Public Schools' fall and winter afterschool programs, potentially affecting 2,500 children. The programs have operated for 24 years and help improve student attendance and academic achievement. The resolution passed 12-0 and will be forwarded to Congresswoman Emilia Sykes and Ohio's senators. Akron Receives All-American City Designation National Civic League honors community effort City Council congratulated Mayor Shammas Malik and the administration for successfully acquiring the All-American City designation from the National Civic League. Only 10 communities nationwide receive this honor annually. The city's presentation highlighted three major projects: the Akron Waterways Renewed project, the Recycle Right program, and the Civic Commons project. A delegation of 62 people representing businesses, nonprofits and government traveled to Denver for the competition. Council President Margo Somerville praised the community-wide effort, noting the delegation included people from age 3 to 91. The designation recognizes communities demonstrating excellence in civic engagement and problem-solving. Bath Township Properties Join Economic Development District JEDD agreement expanded to include commercial parcels Council approved adding 3.36 acres of commercial property to the Bath-Akron-Fairlawn Joint Economic Development District. The properties at 3455 to 3465 Granger Road and 845 Y Road in Bath Township will allow tax revenue sharing across the district. Bath Township has already approved the addition, while Fairlawn's legislation is pending. The properties are currently in commercial use and were not previously included in the JEDD agreement. Tree Commission Gets New Member Landscaping professional appointed to board Sandy Augusta was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Akron Tree Commission. Augusta brings extensive landscaping experience and recently attended educational sessions at Holden Arboretum with other commission members. Tree Commission Chair Sarah Bradenberg praised Augusta's expertise and enthusiasm. The appointment allows the commission to maintain its quorum for upcoming meetings. Fire Department Purchases New Shop Truck 22-year-old vehicle replacement approved Council authorized purchase of a new shop truck for the Fire Department from Montrose Ford for maintenance operations. The current truck, 22 years old with 137,000 miles, has been out of service six times in 18 months. The truck allows internal maintenance staff to travel between the department's 15 facilities for minor repairs. The purchase was included in the 2025 capital budget. Special Assessments Approved for Street Projects Multiple resurfacing programs move to final step Council placed numerous special assessment ordinances on the consent agenda for street resurfacing projects completed in 2024. The assessments represent the final legislative step for projects dating from 2021-2024. Deputy Service Director Jeff explained delays occurred to coordinate with utility work, including 3,300 lead service line replacements and water main improvements. Property owners can pay assessments in full or spread payments over five years. Sheriff's Office SWAT Agreement Approved Mutual aid pact formalizes existing cooperation Council approved a mutual aid agreement with Summit County Sheriff's Office for SWAT team operations. Police Chief Brian Harding said the agreement formalizes existing cooperation when teams operate outside their jurisdictions. The agreement involves no cost, with each agency paying its own expenses. The arrangement allows teams to work interchangeably when specific operations require assistance. Historic Preservation Rules Referred for Review Urban design commission changes need further study Legislation updating rules for the Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission was referred for additional review. The changes would modify criteria for approving alterations to locally designated landmarks and historic districts. The updates aim to resolve inconsistencies in current language, changing requirements from meeting all criteria to meeting any one of three criteria for demolition approvals.