Council committee increases contract with Keep Akron Beautiful, adds Recycle Right campaign funding

The public service committee advanced an amendment and renewed contract with Keep Akron Beautiful that increases the organization's annual city funding by $100,000. City staff said $40,000 of the increase will support the Recycle Right education campaign; the remaining funds will expand litter control, graffiti removal and beautification activities.

Service Director Chris Ludlow and Keep Akron Beautiful Executive Director Jackie Ricchiuti described plans to put more “boots on the ground,” extend outreach to schools, expand social‑media and billboard education and improve coordination for bulk and tire pickups. Ricchiuti noted the nonprofit raises roughly 55 percent of its budget from private fundraising in addition to city funds.

Committee members asked about trash‑can placement and service responsibilities; staff said trash cans placed in business districts are typically the responsibility of the district (assessment) or, for private properties, of the property owner. The committee also discussed an existing grant that covers collection and removal of illegally dumped tires; staff said tires are stockpiled and then removed by a contractor under the grant.

Council advanced the contract by suspending the rules with a favorable report; staff and Keep Akron Beautiful said they would continue outreach and provide program materials to council and the public.