Akron’s first-ever civic assembly gives residents power to address housing issues

Akron Civic Assembly to propose housing solutions to city officials Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss a new effort to tackle housing challenges in Akron that is giving residents the decision-making power. Unify America, a national nonprofit focused on problem-solving and civic engagement, has created Northeast Ohio's first-ever civic assembly, called Unify Akron. The inaugural group of 65 residents was selected by a random lottery last week. From now until May, the delegates will meet to review research, hear from experts and share their own experiences before voting on potential solutions. Those recommendations will be presented to Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, city council and other elected officials. Organizers say the goal of the program is to encourage collaboration among residents and inspire leaders to consider implementing fresh ideas. Guests: - Morgan Lasher, Chief, U.S. Democracy Leagues, Unify America - J. Cherie Strachan, Ph.D., Director, Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, University of Akron - Michael Jarzenski, Delegate, Akron Civic Assembly Summit County Prosecutor & Sheriff expand the Take Me Home program More than 480 children on the autism spectrum were reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2024. Of the 12 accidental deaths reported that same year, all were the result of drowning. That sobering reality is part of what continues to drive the Take Me Home program in Summit County — a joint effort between the Prosecutor's Office and the Sheriff's Office. Later in the hour, we'll discuss how this program is helping save lives and reunite missing individuals with their loved ones. Launched in 2007, the program created a database where parents and caregivers can voluntarily submit information to law enforcement about individuals with communication difficulties - with the goal of bringing those in danger home safely. Last month, the program expanded to include individuals living with mental health conditions, behavioral disorders and substance use disorders. Guests: - Elliot Kolkovich, Prosecutor, Summit County - Kelly Clark, Community Training Specialist, Autism Society of Greater Akron The Menu: Meet Mallorca's Owner Laurie Torres According to the Ohio Hospitality Alliance, at least 500 restaurants across the state closed last year. That's not all that surprising when you look at industry trends, and the razor thin margins that restaurants run on, with the average lifespan of a restaurant being less than10 years. When a local restaurant makes it to 15 years, 20 years or longer, that's something special. That's the case with Mallorca, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Downtown Cleveland. That establishment specializes in Spanish and Portuguese food and was just nominated by the James Beard Foundation. To end the hour, we're joined by Laurie Torres, owner of Mallorca. Torres was recently interviewed by Cleveland Magazine as part of their "Word of Mouth" series, and joins "The Menu" today. "The Menu" is our bi-weekly series produced in conjunction with Cleveland Magazine where we explore Northeast Ohio's food scene. Guest: - Laurie Torres, Owner, Mallorca