Summit County Leaders Detail Plans on Safety, Economy and Social Services

Northeast Ohio residents got a look this week at where Summit County government is headed. Executive Ilene Shapiro used her eighth State of the County address to walk through new investments in public safety, the economy and social services. She framed the county's path forward as one built on local action rather than outside help. "The future of Summit County will not be written for us. It will be written by us," Shapiro said. "People who invest in their communities, build businesses, mentor young students and step forward when challenges arise are the ones who will determine our future." Safety Funding and New Technology A $45 million commitment to the Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund topped the list of accomplishments Shapiro highlighted. That money comes from opioid settlement funds and supports local health and safety work. A separate $5 million Community Empowerment Fund is also in place to help communities hit hardest by the opioid epidemic. Technology upgrades were another focus. Shapiro discussed the Summit Connects public safety fiber network, a project covering roughly 135 miles that is nearing completion. She also noted that the Summit Emergency Communications Center now uses an artificial intelligence virtual assistant called AVA. County jail improvements were mentioned as well. Growth Across the Region Economic momentum carried through much of the address. Shapiro pointed to continued growth in the Polymer Industry Cluster and NEO SMART, a regional partnership that landed a $160 million National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine award. Infrastructure, housing, brownfield redevelopment and new business projects were also part of the update. Social Services Under Pressure Not every part of the address focused on wins. Shapiro acknowledged that changes to SNAP and Medicaid are creating new strain on the county's social services system. Despite that pressure, she praised the workforce and social service programs run through Summit County Job and Family Services for helping residents adapt. Shapiro ended her remarks by pointing back to the people of Summit County. "New technology may change how we live. But it will never replace the values that have always defined us: hard work, resilience, creativity, compassion and a commitment to one another," she said. "Those are human qualities. Those are Summit County qualities." The full address and a recording of the event are posted online at co.summitoh.net/2026StateoftheCounty.