Nearly 200 community members gathered at the new Ed Davis Community Center on January 8, 2025, for the first Community Meeting of the Innerbelt Master Plan. This meeting marked a shift from documenting the past to envisioning the future.
Mayor Shammas Malik addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of inclusive planning and announcing a $10 million Federal Reconnecting Communities Grant to help implement the plan’s concepts.
The open house featured three interactive stations where attendees could share input and learn from the planning team. At one station, community members reviewed technical analysis and shared personal experiences. At another, residents reflected on the places and institutions shaping Akron’s history and culture. The final station invited participants to provide feedback on the vision statement and guiding principles for the Master Plan.
