Note to readers:

The following item is a written record of the Ward 4 meeting from June 30, 2026, compiled by Akron Documenter Joy Butch. It is not a reported story.

Documenters are residents who are trained to observe and document local government meetings. Their notes are edited before publication for clarity and accuracy — unless quotation marks are used, all text is paraphrased.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalakron.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.

Summary 

  • The Ward 4 meeting in West Akron focused on community engagement and understanding. Akron Police Officer Aaron Brown noted that the police can’t resolve the city’s gun violence issue on their own and need community members to come together to work toward a solution. This starts with listening to different perspectives and breaking down social silos to allow for more understanding and collective action, he said. 
  • Marcel McDaniel, founder of Non Stop Growth, discussed the root causes and broader impacts of violence among youth in the community. He highlighted issues such as generational trauma, economic disparities, political policies and neighborhood development that will require collaborative solutions from community members, organizations and public institutions. 
  • Community-based organizations and mentorship programs were highlighted as important tools for creating change. The city is developing two programs for youth geared toward community violence intervention: the PIVOT Program and the Street Team. Non Stop Growth and HYPE are both local nonprofits using mentorship and experienced-based efforts to curb violence among youth. 

Documenter follow-up questions

  • What opportunities currently exist for residents to get involved in these community violence intervention efforts?
  • How can concerned residents connect at-risk youth to these violence intervention programs?
  • Has the city considered alternative methods of reducing gun violence like gun buy-back programs?

Community effort needed to reduce gun violence 

Akron Police Department – Community Engagement Team, Officer Aaron Brown

  • There has been an increase in car break-ins throughout the city as the weather gets warmer. Officers encourage residents not to leave valuables, particularly firearms, inside their cars.
  • There has also been an increase in gun violence, particularly among youth.
    • Brown said there needs to be a community effort to reduce gun violence; the police can’t fix it on their own.
    • New programs are being offered for community violence intervention through the city, as well as outside organizations.
Documenters at Signal Akron

Join the movement for transparency

Civic power can start with you! We train and pay Documenters to take notes at local government meetings and share them here. Learn more about becoming a Documenter.

Group focuses on breaking cycles of violence

Non Stop Growth – Community Violence Intervention Program, Marcel McDaniel

  • His organization is focused on breaking the cycles of violence by using his lived experience to help those who are perpetrating the violence.
  • He shared an exercise conducted with youth that highlighted how people often overlook alternatives when solving problems.
    • Example: A child was instructed to get a bottle from another participant. Most attempted to take the bottle rather than simply ask for it. The exercise illustrated the importance of recognizing options, communication and problem-solving.
  • He discussed the importance of exposing residents to perspectives and experiences outside of their usual social circles and recognizing the historical significance of slavery and how that trauma continues to be passed down through generations.
  • Examining issues such as concentrated liquor store locations is important, McDaniel said. Other issues include violence on social media and economic disparities to better understand their root causes.

Community discusses the impact of violence

Residents and officials talked about the effects of violence with several sharing their thoughts. Some of what was shared included:

  • Violence affects the entire community, not just the immediate neighborhood where incidents occur. Discussing the economic costs of violence can help people understand its broader impact.
  • Small actions and meaningful conversations can create opportunities for change.
  • Residents can contribute to community improvement by bringing new perspectives and information back into their own networks and organizations.

Mentorship key to helping young people for HYPE program

Helping Young People Elevate (HYPE)  Community Violence Intervention Program – Cordell Walker

  • The organization works with youth through mentorship and relationship building.
  • Provides a safe space for young people to seek guidance and support.
  • Uses lived experience and redirection to help young people navigate challenges and make positive decisions.

🗓️ New events calendar! From block parties to concerts and kids’ activities, find fun around Akron and Summit County all year long. Dive into the calendar and start planning.

Akron Documenters trains and pays residents to document local government meetings with notes and live-tweet threads. We then make those meeting summaries available as a new public record.