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Residents demand accountability, some call for City Manager's removal after repeated policing and equity complaints
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the Dayton City Commission to hold the City Manager accountable for policing and equity concerns, with several speakers calling for removal or earlier departure and citing experiences of racialized policing and lack of transparency.
A string of public commenters used the citizens'forum to press the Commission on policing, racial equity and the City Manager's leadership. Speakers described personal and community grievances and asked why the City Manager's announced retirement was scheduled months away rather than immediate.
Kenya Akbar told the commission it was not the City Manager's work per se but that "it's just not serving the black disenfranchised residents" and urged the Commission to act. Zakiya Sankara Jabbar said the city had "ignored" community concerns and directly asked whether commissioners would "call for an executive session today" and be "transparent and hold her accountable" (Zakiya Sankara Jabbar). Reverend Kelly Kelly said it was "time to go" for the City Manager in light of racial justice concerns and policing outcomes.
The City Manager and administration responded by citing recruitment diversity figures: staff said the Police Department class of 2025 was 56% ethnic and gender diverse and the fire class of 2025 was 59% ethnic and gender diverse; the 2026 fire class did not include someone of color but included a woman. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and pledged to continue outreach, community meetings, and transparency efforts; they also noted an immediate Human Relations Council work session and PRC meeting after the Commission meeting to continue the conversation.
