18 ideas in Akron to start spending $145 million in federal aid. Here's what's on the list

Akron city leaders want to start spending $145 million in federal stimulus funds to help qualified applicants buy and repair homes, eradicate lead waterlines, disrupt crime, expand access to health care, support small businesses and add recreational options.

Guidehouse, the consulting firm hired by Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan to help the city with federal audit and compliance issues associated with American Rescue Plan Act funding, presented City Council the list of possible projects during a public Zoom presentation last week. Each proposed expense would require council approval in a more detailed budget, which the mayor could submit in the next few weeks.

Following the mayor's six-bucket framework for distributing ARPA funds, here are the first 18 proposed projects, programs or initiatives — by category — that the city says are ready, eligible and long overdue for funding.

Youth violence

• Community grant program: Grants for community-based, nonprofit organizations that fight youth violence through after-school programming, workforce readiness, job opportunities, mentoring and more.  Applicants would be scored based on the city's collaborative Youth Violence Prevention Strategic Plan.

• Surveillance cameras for pilot program: To deter crime and assist criminal investigations, purchase and install 50 surveillance cameras for Akron residents living in high crime areas.

• Neighborhood doorbell cameras: Purchase and distribute 3,000 to 5,000 Ring doorbell cameras to Akron residents living in high crime areas. Residents would agree to share footage with police.

Public utility and infrastructure

• Akron Cares utility assistance: Provide short-term relief to residents in the most need through Akron Cares utility bill relief program.

• Minor Plumbing Repairs Grant Program: Create a minor home plumbing repair program for low-income and elderly residents to maintain older housing stock and allow individuals to age in place.

• Lead service replacement: Replace the remaining 3,200 lead-contaminated service lines in Akron's public water system to address health disparities.

• Water main replacement projects: Reduce public health, safety and regulatory compliance risk by replacing 7 miles of the most critical and outdated water mains.

Parks and public places

• Lock 3 Vision Plan: Boost tourism and support downtown by funding new outdoor spaces (garden paths, skating areas, shaded seating, artwork, game terraces, etc.) at Lock 3.

• Akron Youth Conservation Corps: Foster youth workforce and educational opportunities through the creation of an Akron Youth Conservation Corps through the Akron Parks Collaborative.

• Summit Lake recreational access: Connect the Ohio and Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail and develop the North Shore Activity Area to further the Summit Lake Vision Plan.

• Community center revitalization project(s): Improve accessibility and programming through a series of 12 community center rehabilitation or reconstruction projects, adding recreation and education opportunities for children and ease of use for people with disabilities.

Housing

• Down Payment Assistance Program: Remove financial barriers with down payment for qualified individuals or families who intend to purchase an existing owner-occupied single-family home in Akron.

• Finance affordable housing construction: Help homebuilders with grants that cover the difference between construction costs and selling prices. Banks often avoid loans due to this "appraisal gap."

• Rehabilitation grants for qualified homeowners: Maintain older housing stock with grants for rehabilitation and repairs.

Small business assistance

• Business Mentorship Program: Create a business mentorship program for minority business owners.

• Main Street Retail Draft Program: Grants for entrepreneurs and small businesses expanding storefronts on Akron's newly reconstructed Main Street downtown.

Access to social services and health care

• AxessPointe Community Health Centers: Support the development of a new federally qualified health clinic to increase access to health care services for low-income residents in the western portion of the city.

• Financial coaches: Provide United Way funding to expand the Akron Financial Empowerment Center model, which provides free consulting on banking, credit-building, tax preparation and more to low-income residents.

Reach Doug Livingston at dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3792.