Dayton City Commission Meeting 5-7-26

The Dayton City Commission held a meeting on May 7, 2026, which included significant discussions on procurement and budget matters as well as community concerns. Key procurement highlights included the approval of service agreements totaling $3.3 million for home repair and energy efficiency projects targeting low-income households, funded by AES Ohio's disadvantaged communities grant. The commission also reviewed an $11.4 million contract award to Archon Builders for a water lab expansion and a $78.75 million grant and loan agreement from the Ohio Department of Development to support aerospace and aviation development at Dayton International Airport, leveraging additional local funds for a total project cost of $96 million. The meeting also featured a demolition update funded through ARPA and state development funds, with 54 demolitions completed year-to-date. A major focus of the meeting was community input on the Dayton Police Department's use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, including concerns about unauthorized data sharing with immigration enforcement agencies, leading to calls for contract cancellation, removal of surveillance cameras, and independent investigations. The commission expressed commitment to transparency, accountability, and rebuilding community trust, with motions passed to approve the city manager's recommendations and plans for further investigation and community engagement.