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Planning panel approves $80,000 contract for Let—s Grow Akron community gardening program
Summary
The committee approved authority for the director of planning to contract with Let—s Grow Akron Inc. for the city—s public gardening program; staff said the city will receive approximately $5.8 million in HUD CDBG funds for 2025 and recommended $80,000 to fund the gardening program for the 2025 season.
The Planning Committee authorized the director of the Department of Planning and Urban Development to enter into contracts with Let—s Grow Akron Inc. to provide the city—s public gardening program, carrying out elements of the 2025 consolidated plan.
Helen Tomic of the Long Range Planning Division said the City of Akron expects to receive approximately $5,800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2025. She recommended $80,000 to fund Let—s Grow Akron for the 2025 gardening season, which staff said began April 1 and will include support through March 2026 for cleanup and maintenance.
Let—s Grow Akron Executive Director Lisa Nunn described the nonprofit as a grassroots community garden organization and urban farm that has operated since 1988. Nunn provided 2024 program metrics included in the committee discussion: 78 community gardeners at 20 garden sites serving 512 household members; 14,617 pounds of produce harvested; 971 attendees at educational programs; 2,530 visitors to the Summit Lake Neighborhood Farmers Market over 17 weeks; 548 customers and 1,865 transactions at the community farm market; 2,000 volunteer hours; and 1,691 pounds of food waste diverted to composting.
Committee members asked whether Let—s Grow Akron operated a farm behind Goodrich Junior High; Nunn said Let—s Grow Akron had met with the site organizer but was not directly responsible for that specific project. Councilmembers expressed support and moved the item to consent; the committee approved the contract authorization by voice vote after a motion to suspend the rules.
