Note to readers:

The following item is a written record of the Ward 1 meeting from April 1, 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

  • Housing insecurity remains a top concern: Homelessness in Akron has increased significantly since the pandemic, particularly among older adults and children, straining shelters and housing waitlists. Expanded warming center operations, zoning reform discussions, senior services and home repair programs highlight cross‑sector efforts to stabilize vulnerable residents, though demand continues to outpace resources.
  • Community engagement and neighborhood expansion: Ward 1 is hosting multiple community events, including The Longest Table potluck on April 25 at Lock 3 and a Gale Street playground revitalization meeting. The formation of the Highland Square Special Improvement District signals a growing focus on coordinated neighborhood improvements, pending budget approval and resident and business petitions.
  • City policy and budget decisions underway: Akron’s 2026 operating budget reflects a $13 million decrease yet still prioritizes housing stability, homelessness response, police oversight and police body‑worn cameras. Council is also addressing governance issues, including filling an at‑large seat vacancy, created by the retirement of City Council Member Jeff Fusco, and formalizing the process for future council appointments, while advancing equity‑focused actions such as deprioritizing enforcement related to gender‑affirming care.

Documenter’s follow-up questions

  • Given the rising numbers of people experiencing homelessness, what long‑term housing strategies is the city considering beyond emergency shelters and warming centers?
  • What specific impacts will the Highland Square Special Improvement District have for residents and businesses once the budget and petition process move forward?
  • Is there anything in place that would prevent the at-large council position from being pre-determined before community applications are submitted?

Notes 

Akron Ward 1 meeting

Start time: 6:05 p.m.

End time: 7:28 p.m.

Attendance: ~35

Unhoused in Akron panel discussion

Participants: Chris Richardson, executive director of Summit County Continuum of Care, Lerryn Campbell from the Homeless Charity & Village, Matthew Seifert, lived experience committee chair at Community Support Services, and Dave Churbock, director of the Peter Maurin Center.

Key concerns and data on homelessness:

  • Homelessness is rising, especially among individuals 55+ and children.
  • Akron’s homelessness increased by 300% following the pandemic.
  • 150-200 individuals remain on the housing waitlist each month.

Emergency Overnight Warming Center:

  • Record usage this winter.
  • Open for 61 days, with 4,700 visits; 4,200 stayed overnight.
  • Average of ~70 guests per night (capacity: 80).
  • Fewer frostbite‑related ER visits reported due to shelter availability.
  • Partner organizations provide bus passes for transportation to the center.

Other updates:

  • Akron’s zoning laws are outdated, community involvement is needed for reform.
  • Pet care clinics are being offered for unhoused individuals with animals.
  • Residents are encouraged to engage with local community development corporations such as The Well in Middlebury.

Ward 1 community updates

Evelyn Rizzo: Community Potluck, The Longest Table will take place at Lock 3 on April 25.

West Hill Neighborhood Organization: Hosting a community meeting on the Gale Street playground revitalization in partnership with Akron Parks Collaborative. The meeting will be held on April 9 from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at the Highland Square Branch Library.

Ward 1 and City Council updates

Highland Square Special Improvement District

  • A new nonprofit board has been established, chaired by Abraham Nabors, part-owner of Mustard Seed Market. Their neighborhood improvement plan is moving through the approval process. Once a budget is finalized, the petition process will begin.
After more than a year of interviews, workshops and community discussions, the City of Akron has released a master plan that aims to repair the harm caused by the construction of the Innerbelt, shown herein April of 2024, and the destruction of the neighborhood in its path. The plan, developed by Sasaki, a Boston-based planning and engineering firm, acknowledges that it will take decades — and tens of millions of dollars — to implement the litany of proposals that extend far beyond the currently decommissioned portion of the highway.
After more than a year of interviews, workshops and community discussions, the City of Akron has released a master plan that aims to repair the harm caused by the construction of the Innerbelt, shown here in April of 2024, and the destruction of the neighborhood in its path. The plan, developed by Sasaki, a Boston-based planning and engineering firm, acknowledges that it will take decades — and tens of millions of dollars — to implement the litany of proposals that extend far beyond the currently decommissioned portion of the highway. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)

City of Akron operating budget for 2026

  • Overall reduction of $13 million from the 2025 budget.
  • Includes $250,000 in funding for homelessness response and the Emergency Overnight Warming Shelter.
  • Funds two new housing inspectors.
  • Provides an increased stipend from $100 to $300 per meeting for the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board members.
  • Council passed a resolution for the administration and council members to work on increasing the buffer times on police body‑worn cameras from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
  • Trans rights protections: Work is underway with organizers on an executive order to deprioritize enforcement against individuals seeking or providing gender‑affirming care.
  • Innerbelt Project: Final plan now available at akroninnerbelt.com.
Signal background

At-Large Council Member Jeff Fusco retires

  • A town hall will be held on April 7 at 6 p.m. at Firestone Community Learning Center to discuss the replacement process for at-large City Council Member Jeff Fusco, who retired effective March 31.
  • Community members may apply by April 16 at noon by emailing a letter of interest and resume to sbiviano@akronohio.gov.

Proposed legislation on ward appointments

  • Ward 1 Council Member Fran Wilson has authored legislation to formalize the council appointment process. The law would codify the existing three‑step model:
  1. Screening committee reviews applications.
  2. Candidate interviews.
  3. Public comment period.
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.

VANTAGE Aging presentation by Lisa Mansfield

Senior Summit on May 6.

  • Includes live entertainment, two free meals, safety presentations and information on current scams targeting seniors.
  • The day will be filled with information sessions on a wide range of topics affecting senior citizens. It will also feature resource vendors.
  • Service providers may still register; volunteers are also needed.
Around 99,000 homes in Summit County may have lead paint hazards, according to Summit County Public Health. Lead-based paint was banned in the United States in 1978. Previously, it was used to paint both the interior and exterior of houses. SCPH's Lead Hazard Reduction Grant, in partnership with the county’s Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, has secured renewed funding for the next four years.
Around 99,000 homes in Summit County may have lead paint hazards, according to Summit County Public Health. Lead-based paint was banned in the United States in 1978. Previously, it was used to paint both the interior and exterior of houses. SCPH’s Lead Hazard Reduction Grant, in partnership with the county’s Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, has secured renewed funding for the next four years. (Screenshot from Summit County Public Health’s website)

Home repairs: Summit County economic development

Minor Home Repair Programs

  • Home Weatherization
    • Free program assisting with: furnace replacement, grab bars and other older‑adult home modifications, ADA‑compliant fixtures (toilets, walk‑in showers, handrails).
  • Does not include windows.
  • Requires a whole‑house inspection.
  • Lead abatement program
  • Any home built before 1978 where children under 6 years old reside (or visit the home more than 60 hours per year) will qualify.

Programs are consistently funded and considered a bipartisan priority.

The next Ward 1 Meeting will be on May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Balch Street Theater.

Notes to reader: 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.

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.