Greetings Akron! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight Open Air: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Rep. Sykes presents more than $1 million in ceremonial checks for Akron Infrastructure Projects (akron.com) — Akron is receiving $1.45 million in federal funding to upgrade Main Street downtown and study safety improvements along key Copley-area corridors with high crash rates. Rep. Emilia Sykes and Mayor Shammas Malik say the money will support safer streets, better sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit access while targeting long-neglected areas. The projects aim to boost neighborhood safety, walkability, and long-term economic vitality for Akron residents.
2. Akron $300K homebuyer program expected to help 35 families (cleveland.com) — Akron's new Akron Dreams program is offering up to $7,500 in forgivable down payment and closing-cost help for first-time homebuyers, with $300,000 expected to assist about 35 families buying within city limits. Run with East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation and funded by HUD, the program targets lower-income residents and could significantly reduce upfront costs on a typical Akron home.
3. New report shows tourism continues to fuel Summit County's economy (akron.com) — Tourism is pumping $2.7 billion into Summit County's economy, and Akron businesses are feeling the benefits through jobs, visitor spending, and stronger downtown activity. A new report shows visitor dollars support more than 21,000 local jobs and save each household an estimated $758 in taxes. Local leaders say attractions, restaurants, and Akron-Canton Airport are all key to keeping the region vibrant.
4. City of Akron water employees receive statewide industry awards (akron.com) — Three City of Akron Water Bureau employees have earned major statewide awards for leadership and innovation at Ohio's 2026 One Water Technical Conference. Their work on watershed protection, lead line removal, and water system improvements underscores Akron's ongoing efforts to safeguard drinking water and invest in local infrastructure expertise.
5. The 'Garden Doctor' at Cleveland Clinic Children's plants huge garden to help families (news5cleveland.com) — Outside Cleveland Clinic Children's outpatient building in downtown Akron, a pediatrician's "Akron's Grow With Us Garden" now provides free fruits and vegetables to patients, families, and neighbors. Staff and volunteers tend the expanded garden, while grants and donated seeds help kids learn to grow food at home and ease grocery costs for local families.
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Ok Akron! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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