City of Akron Council Committee Meetings - 7.27.2026 (Planning & Economic Development)

The City of Akron Council Committee on Planning and Economic Development met on July 27, 2026, to discuss several key items related to zoning and community development. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning code to regulate data centers by requiring conditional use approval and specific development requirements. This amendment aims to address concerns about data centers' impacts on electricity, water consumption, and noise, with future refinements planned to establish thresholds and mitigation measures. The committee also discussed signage regulations related to a cannabis business, with an adverse report recommended due to resident concerns. Additionally, the committee approved an amendment to the Ascot urban redevelopment plan to streamline the review process for industrial park developments. Finally, the committee authorized the planning department to enter agreements with local agencies to distribute approximately $512,000 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds for homeless prevention and rapid rehousing programs, with an RFP process resulting in funding allocations to multiple agencies. Motions to suspend rules and approve these items were passed for full council consideration.