Council committee places $125,000 Akron Chamber contract on consent agenda

An ordinance authorizing the mayor to contract with the Greater Akron Chamber for economic and neighborhood development work was presented and moved to the consent agenda by the Planning and Economic Development Committee.

Susie Graham Moore, representing the chamber, described the organization’s coordination with the city on programs such as Elevate Greater Akron, workforce intermediaries and business‑support services. Chamber President and CEO Steve Millard told the committee the chamber supports small and large businesses through grants, site selection and partnership work, and highlighted collaborative efforts with Team Neo and local education partners.

Millard said the chamber has identified a site for a $25,000,000 pilot facility adjacent to the University of Akron intended to help polymer companies scale innovations. He also summarized the chamber’s business‑retention and expansion work, small‑business supports and partnerships with local anchor institutions. The proposed city contract totals $125,000; staff said the amount is reduced from prior years because a shared staff position is no longer in place.

After brief questions about neighborhood development programming, Councilmember Tina Boyes moved, and an unidentified member seconded, to place the legislation on the consent agenda. The motion passed by voice vote. The item will be included on the consent agenda for the next council action.