Increase Downtown Storefront Activity
Description
Increase storefront activity and density in the center of downtown in collaboration with the Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP), Downtown Akron Development Corporation (DADC), and local foundations.
Why is This Important
Active storefronts make downtown more vibrant, walkable, and worth visiting. Supporting businesses to open and stay in downtown Akron creates jobs, drives foot traffic, and makes the city center a place residents and visitors want to return to.
Initiative Wins
Provided $107,000+ in grants in 2025 to help small businesses retain residency downtown or open new storefronts downtown.
Saw 10 new storefronts open downtown in 2025.
Impact Spotlight
What We’ve Done This Quarter
Saw 2 new storefronts open downtown in early 2026, building on the 10 new storefronts that opened in 2025.
Committed $85,000 in support for 2026 to attract or retain downtown businesses.
Extended the Akron Children's Museum lease through 2031.
What We’re Working on Next Quarter
Building storefront occupancy and vibrancy along the Mill St. to State St. corridor.
Evaluating the retail market and pursuing new tenants with Downtown Akron Partnership and property owners.
Opening of Crafty Steere downtown location.
Moving 717 Credit Union location to downtown.