AKRON, Ohio — Three weeks after taking office, new Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has released the first capital budget proposal of his term.
The $360.8 million plan outlines heavy investments in things like public safety, community center improvements, and ongoing sewer and water system projects, among others. Malik is expected to formally introduce a number of his plans to City Council during Monday's meeting.
"I'm proud to present the proposed 2024 capital budget to Akron City Council," Malik said, in part. "I look forward to hearing feedback from both our councilmembers and our residents on this proposed budget."
According to the mayor, the "fiscally responsible" proposal includes "the lowest amount of general obligation debt since 2018" while "also investing in the largest areas of need in our community." More than half of the allocated funds are coming from the state of Ohio, while the federal government also plays a role, including more than $34 million in still unused dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Of the items listed on Malik's budget, the most expensive single item is the Northside Interceptor Tunnel project at $71.325 million (almost all of that coming from the state). Construction of the sewage overflow storage initiative began last year, and the mayor's office says excavation for the tunnel will be completed by the end of 2024.
Elsewhere, an estimated $18 million in local income taxes will go towards city streets and public safety services, including $3 million to help resurface dozens of miles of pavement. Malik also wants more than $1 million to replace 25 police cruisers, $220,000 for improvements to the Stubbs Justice Center, and a $130,500 increase (to $375,500 overall) to fund body cameras for the police department's SWAT and narcotics units. Fire Station 13 in Firestone Park would also receive $950,000 for a new truck.
Speaking of safety, Malik wants address speeding by more than doubling the city's traffic calming budget to $500,000. According to officials, this money would "cover piloting permanent speed tables, electronic signage, and other interventions to curb speeding."
As for community centers, the mayor wants millions for already planned initiatives to improve such facilities in the city, such as the expansion of Reservoir Park Community Center and the building of an all-new center in Patterson Park. $300,000 in additional funds would also be added for emergency repairs "on an as-needed basis," along with another $300,000 for Akron Parks and a commitment to build a splash pad for kids in Elizabeth Park.
Finally, Malik will also request $1 million for the city's sidewalk program "to help get us caught up on the backlog of requests." Another $150,000 would also help launch a pilot program for "tiny homes" in an effort to help residents dealing with homelessness.
Malik made plans for improved policing and affordable housing, highlighting his successful mayoral campaign, although it is worth noting the capital budget will only deal with some of those issues. More of his proposals will likely be addressed in his separate operating budget proposal, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Negotiations with Council on the capital budget will undoubtedly begin shortly, as legislators have until Feb. 15 to approve capital investments for the year. You can view the mayor's full proposal below: