Mayor Shammas Malik

During his third State of the City Address, Mayor Shammas Malik outlined a sweeping vision for Akron’s future centered on collaboration, innovation, and community investment. The speech highlighted major new initiatives across housing, public safety, youth opportunity, sustainability, and economic development, all tied together through the city’s “Together for Akron” framework.

Among the major announcements was a new Down Payment Assistance Program launching later this summer to help first-time homebuyers purchase homes in Akron. Eligible residents who meet income requirements will be able to receive up to $7,500 toward the down payment and closing costs, helping to expand access to homeownership for working families. Mayor Malik also announced upcoming legislation to strengthen Akron’s housing code, including reforms to address recurring mold violations, improvements to the city’s rental registration system, and the elimination of minimum lot sizes for new infill housing on vacant lots to reduce barriers to building.

Mayor Malik highlighted continued downtown investment, neighborhood business growth, and Akron’s leadership in sustainable polymers and advanced materials. The city announced a new Polymer Pathways Partnership that will connect Akron students to education, credentials, and careers in advanced manufacturing and polymer industries through partnerships with The University of Akron, Stark State College, Akron Public Schools, the Greater Akron Chamber, and industry partners. On public safety, the Mayor announced the upcoming launch of a new community violence intervention (CVI) program in partnership with Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Minority Behavioral Health Group. The initiative will connect victims of violence with immediate counseling and support services to help prevent retaliation and break cycles of harm.

Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.