Akron's Downtown Makeover: Key Investments and Strategies for Growth and Food

It's the Akron Podcast for January 29, 2025.

Our website, akronpodcast.com today, we're going to be talking about an exciting development in Akron's downtown revitalization efforts, the creation of the Downtown Akron Development Corp.

This is a new organization that could be the key to.

To unlocking major economic growth in the city.

Akron leaders recently announced that they raised $360,000 per year for the next three years from 17 local partners to fund this new initiative.

The funding's going to pay for a dedicated executive director who will focus exclusively on moving downtown forward.

Now, this funding is going to pay for a dedicated executive director who will focus exclusively on moving this downtown project forward.

The role is a game changer, because while Akron already has organizations working on economic development, none have been solely responsible for taking projects from the idea to reality.

And Kyle Kutchief from the Knight foundation added an even bigger incentive.

He said if a new executive director can raise $3 million, the Knight foundation will match it with an additional $1.5 million, bringing the total four investments to $4.5 million.

And that is a serious financial commitment aimed at, in his words, just getting stuff done.

So, Kyle, thank you for that.

Holy cow.

So what's the plan?

This new development corporation will focus on three key priorities, according to Akron's economic development director, Susie Graham Moore.

The first one is to increase residential development downtown.

So more people living downtown means more energy, more foot traffic, and a stronger local economy.

But they're going to need a grocery store, Kids.

When I hear that, I'm like, where are you going to eat?

I don't know.

It's interesting, but we'll get to that.

Number two, develop a convention center hotel.

This would attract larger events, conferences, and visits to Akron, boosting tourism and business.

Didn't we have one of those, though?

Didn't we have.

Wasn't the Quaker Oats turned into a Hilton for a while?

And of course, now that belongs to Akron.

Uh, and there's one right off the freeway when you're on 76.

So where are you going to put it?

But anyway, all right, because it's one thing to have a hotel, but if you don't have events coming with people who then stay in the hotel, that hotel has a bad day.

So.

And besides the, you know, Firestone thing, we need reasons for people to come here.

Number three, expand retail in the city center.

And this is where I go, oh, maybe that's where they're going to put the grocery store.

They say filling empty storefronts and increasing small business along Main street will create a more vibrant downtown experience.

Yeah, because you need something more than the ball game, stadium, the library, you know.

Now, they say each of these three priorities has had champions in the past, but what's been missing is that one person waking up every day focused solely on.

On pushing these projects forward.

And that's where this new executive director is going to come in and do the job.

Now, it pays between 135,000 and $175,000 annually, which, when I first heard that number, I was like, wait a minute.

I know eventually that person's supposed to raise 3 million, but we're starting off with $360,000 a year, and we're paying somebody $135,000 a year.

That sounds like a lopsided budget, but I guess that's my question.

What happens if this person doesn't bring in $3 million?

Like, okay, I'm just thinking out loud, but why now?

Well, they say this announcement comes at a time when Akron is already seeing momentum.

We recently won a $10 million federal grant to redevelop part of the decommissioned Interbell.

That's cool.

And Then another nearly $100 million investment is going into creating a polymer hub, which is going to further position Akron as a leader in this industry.

The mayor says this moment presents huge opportunities, and the new downtown development leader will be essential in keeping the momentum going.

And the mayor says there's so many good things that are happening.

I think the sky's the limit.

All right, but what's success going to look like?

Well, the new development corporation won't be duplicating efforts, thank goodness, but rather filling a gap in the city's economic landscape.

The goal is to increase visibility for development, you know, those opportunities, bringing in new business and attracting more investment downtown.

Graham Moore said it can be a very big deal.

It should help us step up on the virtual gas pedal.

The concept of a dedicated development corporation, well, that's not new.

I mean, similar organizations in Cleveland have been very successful in pushing major projects forward.

Howard Parr, the executive director of the Akron Civic Theater, agrees, saying that this type of organization makes sense for Akron, and if we have one downtown, it makes all the sense in the world.

It's really about a critical mass of activity.

So what does this mean for the future of downtown Akron?

I know I'm looking forward to warmer weather and going down and seeing what's going on with Lock three.

I did not make it down there last year and want to see what's going on now.

If this is successful, this new corporation could transform downtown into a thriving hub of residential life, business activity, and tourism.

The tourism is the part that I'm scratching my head on.

Like, tourism to come see what.

Because the Inventors hall of Fame, I think that's gone, and that's now owned by Akron.

Um, like, what's.

What's bringing people here?

So that's my only thing.

I mean, yes, the Akron Civic Theater is amazing, but, okay.

They say with millions of dollars on the table, a clear vision, and a dedicated leader at the helm, this could be a turning point for the city.

What do you think?

If you go out to the website, there's a button there you can click and leave your comments.

And speaking of groceries, I'm going to pass this over to our favorite AI correspondents, Kyle and Sheila, to talk about there's a new mobile market that's going to kind of come in and tackle food deserts.

And to me, downtown Akron is a food desert.

Unless you want to eat at, you know, BW3s and, you know, there's plenty of restaurants on Main street, but if I'm living in an apartment downtown, I can't eat out every night unless I'm making some major, major bank.

Have you ever thought about, like, how hard it actually is for some people to even get to a grocery store?

Oh, yeah.

Like, we're not talking about, like, hitting traffic or anything like that.

We're talking about people who live in places called food deserts, where getting to, like, fresh and affordable food is a real journey for them.

Absolutely.

And that's what we're diving into today.

Okay.

A story about one woman who is on a mission to, like, totally changed that in Akron, Ohio.

Gotcha.

And get this.

Okay.

She's doing it with a grocery store on wheels.

It's so cool.

Yeah.

That's a pretty amazing way to tackle the problem.

Yeah.

And it's a great example of how even small initiatives can, like, really make a big difference.

Yeah.

We've got a recent news article here that tells the story of ebony, Yeboa Amonkwa.

Okay.

And the Summit Fresh Mobile Market.

Okay, so this is what it's called.

Yeah.

Summit Fresh Mobile Market.

So how did this whole thing get started?

Well, it seems like it all started with EBONY chairing the Akron Heart Walk last year.

Oh, wow.

And she was just struck by all the statistics about food access.

Oh, yeah.

In Summit and Portage counties.

So it wasn't just in Akron itself.

It was the whole.

Yeah, the whole surrounding area.

Yeah.

And I think while she couldn't actually verify the exact numbers.

Oh, really?

At the time, just the sheer scale of the problem really hit home.

I bet.

Yeah.

So she saw this problem and basically decided to roll up her sleeves and do something about it.

Yeah.

And quite literally roll up her sleeves.

Because we're talking about a mobile market here.

Yeah.

But.

Yeah, so starting a mobile market from scratch can't be easy.

No, I'm sure it's not.

So that's where the story gets even more interesting.

Okay.

The Summit Fresh mobile market is actually modeled after a successful program.

Oh, wow.

That's already running in the Mahoning Valley.

Okay.

They're not just taking inspiration.

They're actually buying the Mahoning Valley's converted bus.

Oh, wow.

So they're buying.

Yeah, they're actually purchasing it.

They're purchasing the bus to jumpstart their program.

Yeah.

They're going to hit the ground running with this thing.

That's amazing.

Yeah.

Talk about resourcefulness.

Yeah.

So they've got the wheels.

Yeah.

But what about the driving force behind this whole thing?

Right.

What's ebony's story?

Well, what's really remarkable about EBONY is that she's juggling this whole project while also holding down a high level corporate job.

Oh, wow.

So this isn't even her full time gig.

This is not her full time thing.

She's got a whole other job going on.

Yeah.

She saw a need in her community and she decided to just take action even with her busy schedule.

That's amazing.

Yeah.

It speaks to her passion and commitment.

It really does.

For sure.

Okay, so before we get too carried away with this bus and her mission.

Yeah.

Let's break down what a food desert actually is.

Right.

Because I think a lot of people hear that term, but they might not totally grasp, like all the complexities.

Yeah, you're absolutely right.

What that means.

A lot of people kind of throw that term around.

Yeah.

But the usda, like, what's the actual definition, defines a food desert as an area where a significant number of residents live more than a mile from a supermarket.

Okay.

And that's in urban areas.

Okay.

A mile in urban areas.

Yeah.

And in rural areas, it's 10 miles.

10 miles.

Wow.

Yeah.

So think about that.

That's a long way.

Yeah.

10 miles to the nearest grocery store.

Yeah.

But it's not just about the distance, though.

Okay.

The definition also factors in things like poverty rates.

Okay.

And access to transportation.

So they take into account all these other.

It's really about recognizing that for a lot of people getting To a store with healthy, affordable food options is a real struggle.

Wow.

Yeah.

So it's not just about convenience.

It's about economic.

It's about access.

Access, too.

And that's where this Summit Fresh mobile market comes in.

Bringing those options directly to the people who need them most.

Exactly.

And they're being very strategic about it too.

Okay.

They're focusing on the areas they'll serve, the neighborhoods in Akron and Summit county that have been identified as food deserts.

So they're not just like driving around randomly?

No, they're.

They're really targeting where the need is greatest.

Absolutely.

Okay, so let's talk about what they're actually stocking on this mobile market.

Okay.

Is it just like fruits and veggies or are they offering more?

Think of it as a mini grocery store on wheels.

Okay.

They're going way beyond just produce.

Okay.

They're going to have fresh produce, meat, dairy, and even shelf stable goods.

Wow, that's great.

Yeah.

So it's not just.

It's not just the healthy stuff.

They're giving people real choices.

It's about respecting people's preferences and needs.

Exactly.

And I think that's really important.

Absolutely.

And are they keeping in mind affordability?

Oh, yeah, for sure.

They're planning to work with local growers and vendors to keep the prices competitive.

Okay.

And they're also exploring coupon programs to help stretch people's budgets.

I love that.

Yeah.

It has to be sustainable for the mobile market and for the people they're serving.

Absolutely.

And I also love that they're accepting SNF B benefits.

That opens up access for so many people who maybe wouldn't be able to afford fresh and healthy food otherwise.

Yeah.

That's key to their mission.

Making healthy food accessible to everyone, no matter their income.

I love that.

Yeah.

Okay.

So we've got the mission, we've got the model, we've got the food.

Right now I want to get a picture of what this grocery store on wheels actually looks like.

Yeah.

So picture this.

Okay.

A 28 foot converted bus.

Wow.

Decked out with refrigerators, freezers, and shelves stocked with all sorts of groceries.

That's incredible.

They are still trying to secure a covered storage space.

Oh, right.

Which shows you the kind of behind the scenes logistical challenges.

Yeah.

You don't just park a grocery store on the street at night.

Yeah.

So when and where is this mobile market going to be hitting the road?

Well, they're aiming to operate on Saturdays to start, and they'll be rotating between different locations throughout Akron and Summit County.

So they're really making sure.

Going all over as much ground as possible.

Yeah.

And they're even thinking about expanding their reach to serve senior citizens.

Oh, wow.

Who often faces mobility challenges.

Yeah.

You know, transportation issues.

That's a great idea.

Yeah.

So it sounds like they're really thinking holistically about, like, the needs of their entire community.

Absolutely.

So with all this, what kind of impact are they hoping to have with this market?

What are their goals?

They set a pretty ambitious goal of reaching at least 100 people per outing.

Wow.

But it's not just about the numbers, though.

What else is it about?

It's about creating, like, a ripple effect.

What do you mean?

You know, they see this mobile market as, like, a catalyst for broader change.

Okay.

They want to inspire other communities to address food insecurity.

Okay.

In these creative ways.

And they also want to, like, empower residents to take control of their own health and well being.

That's great.

Yeah.

So it's like a much bigger vision than just, oh, yeah.

Showing up with groceries.

This is like a community effort.

It really is.

Yeah.

It's incredible how something so, like, simple.

Yeah.

As a mobile grocery store can have, like, such a huge impact.

It really is.

It's a testament to the power of, like, innovative thinking and community engagement.

Totally.

But it also kind of makes you think, like, yeah, this project wouldn't even be necessary if everyone had equal access to healthy, affordable food in the first place.

That's a good point.

Like, how did we even get to this point where, like, whole communities are struggling to get something as basic as groceries?

Yeah.

That's a really complex question.

Yeah.

With no easy answers.

I bet.

Food deserts are often the result of, like, a whole bunch of factors.

You know, things like poverty, lack of investment in certain neighborhoods, even, like, historical zoning policies that have favored big box stores.

Oh, wow.

Over smaller grocery stores in certain areas.

So it's like a whole system.

It's a systemic issue.

Yeah.

So this mobile market is really just addressing, like, one symptom of a bigger problem.

It's a band aid on a much larger wound.

Right.

And while it's a fantastic initiative, it's important to remember that it's not like a silver bullet solution.

Okay.

You know, we really need to address the root causes of food insecurity if we want to see lasting change.

So what are some of those root causes?

Well, I think a big one is economic inequality.

Okay.

When people are just struggling to make ends meet.

Yeah.

Healthy food often takes a backseat to more affordable but less nutritious options.

Yeah.

That makes sense.

And then there's also the issue of transportation.

You know, if you don't have a car, getting to the grocery store can be a real challenge.

Yeah.

Especially if you live in a rural area.

Right?

Exactly.

Yeah, Especially in those rural areas or even neighborhoods that are poorly served by public transportation.

Right.

It's like this vicious cycle, like poverty limits your access to healthy food.

Exactly.

Which can then lead to health problems, which then further kind of like makes.

It harder to get out of poverty.

Exacerbates the poverty.

Exactly.

And this is where policy interventions can really play a crucial role.

Like what kind of interventions?

Well, things like investing in public transportation.

Okay.

Incentivizing grocery stores to open in underserved communities, and supporting programs like snap, PE and wic.

Okay.

Yeah.

Speaking of SNAP benefits, you mentioned earlier that the Summit Fresh Mobile Market is going to be accepting them.

Yes.

Can you talk a little bit more about what SNAP is and how it works?

So SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and it's a federal program that provides financial assistance to low income individuals and families to help them buy food.

Okay.

It's essentially like a debit card that can be used to participate in grocery stores and farmers markets.

So this mobile market accepting SNAP benefits is huge.

It's really important.

Yeah.

It means that people who rely on SNAP to put food on the table are going to have access to the same fresh, healthy options as everyone else.

Exactly.

And it also, you know, helps in the mobile market, so it brings in some revenue for them.

It's like a win win for everybody.

Absolutely.

It's a win win.

Okay.

So we've talked about the challenges of food deserts and the systemic issues that kind of contribute to them.

Yeah.

But let's get back to the Summit Fresh Mobile Market.

They received a $175,000 grant.

That's a lot of money from the.

US Conference of Mayors to get this project off the ground.

Yeah.

What does that tell us about kind of the broader context of these food access initiatives?

I think it shows that there's a growing recognition among policymakers and community leaders that food access is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.

The fact that the Summit Fresh Mobile Market actually won first place in its category for this grant.

Oh, wow.

Really speaks volumes about the project and its potential impact.

I bet.

Yeah.

It also highlights the importance of collaboration.

Like, this project wouldn't be possible without the support of the Mahoning Valley Mobile Market, local churches, nonprofits, and of course, the US Conference of Mayors.

Right.

It takes a village.

Yeah.

To make Something like this happen.

So while this mobile market is addressing this local issue in Akron.

Yeah.

It kind of points to this larger trend of community based solutions to food insecurity.

Absolutely.

We're seeing a rise in all these innovative approaches to food access.

Like what kind of things?

From community gardens and urban farms.

Oh, cool.

To mobile markets and food co ops.

Yeah.

That's awesome.

Yeah.

People are realizing that they don't have to wait around for the government or big corporations to solve these problems.

They can actually take action themselves.

It's inspiring to see people kind of taking ownership and creating change in their own communities.

For sure.

But let's be realistic.

Like a mobile market isn't going to solve all the problems that are associated with food deserts.

Yeah.

There are some potential drawbacks and limitations to this approach.

One potential challenge is scalability.

Okay.

You know, a mobile market can make a big difference in a specific neighborhood.

Yeah.

But it's hard to replicate this model on a large scale to reach like every corner of a city or a region.

Right.

And even if you could scale it up.

Yeah.

There's still that issue of sustainability.

Like, can a mobile market really compete with traditional grocery stores when it comes to pricing and variety?

Yeah.

And stuff like that.

Mobile markets often face higher operating costs.

Okay.

Because of transportation and logistical challenges, which can make it tough to offer the same affordability as those big retailers.

And then there's the human element, too.

Oh, yeah.

Like, Ebony is clearly the driving force behind this whole project.

Yeah.

Her passion and commitment are amazing.

But what happens if she decides to move on or if she just, like, can't devote as much time to the mobile market anymore?

That's a really important point.

The success of a lot of community led initiatives really depends on the dedication of a few key individuals.

So it's crucial to think about succession planning.

Okay.

And building a strong foundation that can withstand those changes in leadership.

So even the best intention projects need really careful planning and a long term vision if they're going to truly thrive.

For sure.

But despite all of these potential challenges, there's something about this whole project that just feels so hopeful.

I agree.

Yeah.

There's this like, optimism and can do spirit.

Yeah.

That's just contagious.

It really is.

It's a good reminder that even with these huge systemic issues.

Yeah.

We can still make a difference through individual action and community collaboration.

Totally.

It really does give you hope.

Yeah.

And I think that's a key takeaway for anyone listening.

Like, you don't have to wait for someone else to fix these Problems, you can actually be part of the solution.

Absolutely.

Ebony's story is, like, such a great example of that.

Yeah.

She saw a need, she had an idea, and she went for it.

It's really inspiring.

She's not alone.

No, not at all.

Like, there are so many examples all over the country of people stepping up and addressing this issue of food insecurity in their own communities.

Yeah.

We're seeing this, like, resurgence of community based initiatives.

Yeah.

You know, everything from community gardens and urban farms to food co ops and meal delivery programs.

Wow.

Yeah.

There's this growing movement to, like, reclaim our food systems.

Yeah.

And make sure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable food.

It's almost like a return to our roots.

Like before, big box stores and fast food chains were everywhere.

I think you're right.

There's definitely an element of that.

Yeah.

People are starting to realize that food is about more than just, like, fuel.

It's about community and culture and connection.

Yeah.

And it's about empowering people to make choices that support their health and wellbeing.

Exactly.

When you give people access to fresh, healthy food, you're not just nourishing their bodies, you're nourishing their minds and spirits, too.

So true.

Yeah.

So to wrap things up, what's the one thing you hope people listening take away from this deep dive into the Summit Fresh Mobile Market?

I think the biggest takeaway is that we all have a part to play in making our food system more just and equitable.

It doesn't matter if it's like supporting local farmers or volunteering at a food bank or even advocating for policy changes.

Right.

There are so many ways to make a difference.

And it doesn't have to be some big grand gesture.

No, not at all.

Sometimes the smallest actions can have the biggest impact.

Exactly.

Like, maybe you just start a conversation with your friends and family about these food access issues, or maybe you donate to a local food pantry.

Or maybe you just make an effort to shop at farmers markets more often.

Totally.

Or support businesses that are all about sustainability and social justice.

Yeah.

Like, it all adds up.

It really does.

Yeah.

And who knows?

Maybe someone listening right now will be inspired to launch the next Summit Fresh Mobile Market.

That would be amazing.

In their own community.

The world needs more people like Ebony.

Yeah.

People who are willing to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to the problems we face.

In a significant policy shift, the Administration of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced plans to close the state's large youth prisons, aiming to replace them with smaller community based Rehabilitation centers.

This move is part of a broader strategy to reform the juvenile justice system by focusing on rehabilitation over incarceration.

The decision comes amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of large scale youth detention facilities and their impact on young offenders.

The plan involves transitioning from the current model of large centralized youth prisons to smaller facilities that are closer to offenders home communities.

These community based centers are designed to provide more personalized and effective rehabilitation services including education, mental health support and vocational training.

The administration believes that this approach will reduce recidivism rates and better support the reintegration of young offenders into society.

This initiative aligns with national trends emphasizing restorative justice and the benefits of keeping young offenders within their communities.

Advocates argue that smaller community based facilities can more effectively address the root causes of delinquent behavior than large institutions.

However, the plan also faces challenges including securing funding and ensuring that local communities are prepared to support these new facilities.

The DeWine administration is currently working on the logistics of this transition and engaging with stakeholders to address potential concerns.