AKRON, Ohio — The city is rolling out a strategy for spending pandemic relief money from the American Rescue Plan, and Akron residents are invited to participate.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron is rolling out a strategy for spending $145 million in pandemic relief money

  • Information sessions will be held via Zoom on Oct. 28, from noon to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Information and a dashboard will be available on a dedicated page on the city’s website

  • Akronites are also invited to submit ideas online

Out of $350 million awarded to eligible state, territorial and tribal governments, the federal government earmarked $145 million over two years for Akron, which Akron City Council approved this week.

Throughout the city’s distribution process, information, resources and a dashboard will be available on a dedicated page on the city’s website. The dashboard will provide details about spending on programs, services and neighborhood-specific projects, the city said.

To learn about the funds Akron will receive and participate in a live Q&A, residents can register for one of two livestreamed Zoom sessions on:

The city said it is also interested in residents’ ideas for the money, which can be submitted through an online form. The information sessions will be livestreamed on the Akron City Council YouTube page.

The city will follow specific guidelines the federal government established in spending the money and proposes it be invested in:

  • community and youth violence prevention;
  • housing;
  • public utility support;
  • local economic recovery;
  • parks and public spaces;
  • access to healthcare and social services; and
  • budget stabilization.

Like most U.S. cities, Akron was hit hard by the pandemic, Mayor Dan Horrigan said in a release. He is encouraging residents to speak up through these information sessions.

“With this infusion of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, we have a unique opportunity to address longstanding challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Horrigan said. “We look forward to getting this money out to the community quickly so that residents in need can take advantage of this important lifeline and start rebuilding the essential connective tissue that will make our neighborhoods stronger long into the future.”

The money must be earmarked by Dec. 31, 2024, and dispersed by Dec. 31, 2026, the city said.

Akron has enlisted Guidehouse, a consulting service, to serve as the project manager to structure and oversee the process, the city said.

People without internet access who want to participate in the information sessions can contact the clerk’s office at 330-375-2256 for a call-in option.