Down to a population of 197,859 from its 1960 peak of 290,351, the city of Akron is looking for a way to bring people back to its community. One thing Akron has going for it already: an enthusiastic champion of the cause.
Rick Armon reports on a plan to increase the population of Akron, Ohio to 200,000 by 2020 and 250,000 by 2050.
The plan is credited to Jason Segedy, known by Planetizen readers as the blogger behind Notes from the Underground. Segedy also led the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) before joining new Mayor Dan Horrigan’s cabinet this month, according to Armon, and now he's put together a plan to bring people back to Akron.
Armon breaks down Segedy's plan into bullet points, abridged here, but with more detail in the article:
- Quality housing
- Attractive neighborhoods
- Working with entrepreneurs
- Welcoming returning population
- Welcoming immigrants
The article includes interviews with many local stakeholders and residents, as well as academic perspectives from researchers at Cleveland State University and Akron University.
FULL STORY: Akron looks to increase its population
The Consequences of Urban Population Decline for American Cities
Big cities saw the sharpest population declines during the pandemic. Is the trend here to stay?
Local Opposition to Ohio DOT's I-77 Widening Plans Near Akron
The Ohio Department of Transportation wants to add lanes to Interstate 77 outside Akron to reduce congestion. Some local officials think the project will connect the region to the East Coast; others think the money would be better spent locally.
Reimagining the Social Value of Public Spaces
While they're often treated as mere assets to be maintained or abandoned for other uses, public spaces can be an active part of cities' plans for equitable revitalization.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie