Akron City Council approves Mayor Malik’s $341.9M capital budget for 2026: See highlights of the plan

Akron approves a nearly $342 million capital budget for 2026, targeting key infrastructure improvements in public safety, transportation and community development.

AKRON, Ohio — Akron City Council unanimously approved Mayor Shammas Malik’s proposed 2026 Capital Investment & Community Development Program this week, signing off on nearly $342 million in infrastructure spending across the city.

Council passed the capital budget by a 12-0 vote.

According to the City of Akron, the $341.9 million plan focuses on major infrastructure investments in public safety, transportation, water and sewer systems, parks and recreation facilities and other public facilities. The budget also includes certain investments tied to economic development, housing and community services.

The capital budget is separate from the city’s operating budget, which covers day-to-day services and operating expenses. The operating budget is expected to be approved by Akron City Council before the end of March, according to the city.

“We are continuing to invest in areas that are core to our city services and responsibilities, including transportation infrastructure, water and sewer projects, and public safety equipment,” said Mayor Malik. “This budget emphasizes our focus on fiscal responsibility. I appreciate the engagement of our councilmembers and residents throughout this process and look forward to pursuing this year’s priorities.”

Funding for the capital budget includes a mix of state, federal and local dollars. The plan allocates $209.3 million in state funding and $28.8 million in federal funds.

Local funding totals $95.8 million, including $17.9 million expected to be generated this year through Akron’s Safety and Streets income tax. The city says Safety and Streets funds are used exclusively for improvements to police and fire services, as well as roadway projects.

Below are highlights from the capital budget, which were provided to 3News by the City of Akron:

Allocating $6.5 million to resurfacing which will cover approximately 52 centerline miles of Akron roadway, as well as repairs to concrete streets. The city will also undertake major repair projects to Home Avenue, North Main Street in North Hill, and South Main Street between Bartges and Cedar.
Investing $1 million in the city sidewalk program which will allow the city to complete approximately 225 repair requests. At the beginning of 2024, Akron was over 3 years behind on sidewalk requests but thanks to increased investment, in 2026 the city will complete all the requests from 2024 and all the requests from 2025 up to September bringing the city almost up to date on requests.
The City of Akron has committed to a multi-year full renovation of the Stubbs Justice Center, which houses the Akron Police Department. This year, the city will be replacing several transport elevators, replacing the heating and cooling lines from the basement to the 10th floor, and starting on the design for the full renovation.
Supporting Akron’s parks and public spaces through new playground and recreation improvements across the city, as well as the new city meadows program which will improve the natural beauty and wildlife of certain parks while reducing mowing and stormwater runoff.
Investing in new construction of infill housing, as well supporting neighborhood Community Development Corporations, and beginning implementation of the Innerbelt Master Plan.
Undertaking significant water and sewer projects, including the completion of the Northside Interceptor Tunnel and the replacement of the historic Brittain Road Reservoir.
Replacement of two salt domes in the city which will help with the city’s snow/ice response.
Akron has completed the removal of all lead service lines in the city and is now moving on to galvanized lines which were previously connected to lead with a goal of removing all the galvanized lines by the end of 2027.