Akron council honors retiring longtime councilman Jeff Fusco with unanimous resolution

Akron City Council on Monday night adopted a resolution acknowledging the retirement of Councilman Jeff Fusco and initiating the process to fill his at-large seat, while multiple council members and community speakers offered personal tributes.

The resolution, offered by the council as a whole and declared an emergency, passed unanimously (13–0). Speakers from across the city — including former colleagues, neighborhood advocates and representatives of local organizations — addressed the council during public comment to thank Fusco for nearly four decades of public service.

During public comment Brian Lucey, president of Akron FOP 7, and several former officials praised Fuscos work on public safety, neighborhood maintenance, tree-planting initiatives and long-term mentorship of newer council members. Kelly Crawford Smith, introduced herself as a former Ward 10 councilwoman and described Fuscos help early in her career; Keep Akron Beautifuls Jackie Rakuti highlighted Fuscos hands-on support for neighborhood cleanups and the tree commission.

In council remarks, colleagues thanked Fusco for his mentorship and willingness to take on difficult tasks. "We all wanna do the right thing for our community," Fusco said in brief remarks; he publicly announced his intent to step away from public office effective March 31 in a letter read into the record.

The resolution establishes an emergency timeline and the process to fill the vacancy caused by his retirement; the council did not detail a successor on the record and will follow the procedures set out in the adopted resolution.

Council members who had disagreed with Fusco on policy praised his dedication and said they looked forward to honoring his service in the coming weeks.