News Release From Akron City Council

Akron City Council will begin talking about how to reshape Akron’s 10 wards at a special Council meeting Monday, October 29, 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Robert Dykes, President of Triad Research Group, will present the results of his company’s examination of Akron’s neighborhoods and its recommendations for redrawing ward boundaries. Council hired the Cleveland-­-based research firm earlier this year to identify “communities of interest,” where residents
have common interests and similar needs for city services.  

Sommerville said he called the special meeting because he thought the formality of a regular City Council meeting
would not lend itself to the open public discussion he wants. “I want a meeting where Mr. Dykes has the time
he needs to explain his research so that everyone understands his recommendations for putting Akron’s
neighborhoods together based on interests and needs.I also want a meeting where everyone, including the public,can talk freely about his recommendations.”                                                   

City Council is required to consider redistricting every 10 years. The purpose is to adjust ward boundaries
based on population shifts.