PRIORITY #7: CONNECTIONS
Support Culture Across Sectors including Food, History, and the Environment
In Akron/Summit, we believe that thriving communities are built when arts and culture are woven into the fabric of everyday life and decision-making.
We understand that creativity is not confined to galleries or stages - it shapes how we age, learn, move, live, and work. From public safety to public health, from workforce development to youth engagement, from environmental sustainability to downtown vibrancy - arts and culture are essential contributors to solutions, innovation, and shared well-being.
As our community grows and evolves, so too must our understanding of how creativity connects us. By embedding arts and culture across all sectors - from housing and transportation to civic dialogue and food justice - we strengthen our capacity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant future for all.
Throughout the priorities, you’ll see each labeled with the potential investment required ($ to $$$$) and next steps including, “Implement (I),” “Explore (E),” “Expand (X),” and “Promote (P).”
7.1 Food + Culture
Support a healthy food ecosystem, directly connected to our economic and social vibrancy
Local Food Action Plan: A vibrant food ecosystem is core to a healthy cultural sector. A local food action plan should be developed, including a landscape assessment to identify strengths, opportunities, resources, and areas of economic opportunity and food deserts, and action steps to: (E, $$$$)
Improve access to and education about healthy, affordable, and local foods
Increase the role of food in economic development and cultural districts
Highlight the importance of food as a shared cultural experience
Food As Culture: Support opportunities to recognize food as culture, which include but are not limited to: (E, $$)
Promoting local farmers, restaurants, and product makers
Building upon early and existing assets such as Akron Food Works
Celebrating food as a category in local cultural awards
7.2 Environment + Culture
Support the connections between our natural environment and the culture of our city
Culture and the Parks: Expand the use of the park systems in Akron/Summit through the following: (X, P, $$$$)
Developing a plan for public art in conjunction with Summit Metro Parks;
Increasing cultural programming in outdoor spaces in city-operated parks, Summit Metro Parks, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Support and advocate for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s efforts to establish best practices around equity and access.
Partner with Akron Civic Commons and Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition to ensure cohesive efforts around activation of public spaces along their nodes of activity in Akron/Summit.
7.3 History + Culture
Support the connections between our historic built environment and the culture of our city
Preservation Plans: Celebrate Akron and Summit County’s rich architectural history to affirm civic identities and diverse community heritage by investing in a preservation plan for the City of Akron that will: (E, $$$)
Identify historic buildings and review their eligibility for placement on the National Historic Register, providing access to state and federal historic tax credits
Apply for placement of Ohio Historical Markers at newly-identified sites throughout Akron and Summit County