Staff Report / Akronlocal.org

**Shammas Malik Reflects on First Year as Mayor of Akron**

Shammas Malik, Mayor of Akron, Ohio, recently shared a detailed reflection on his administration's first year and outlined plans for the city moving into 2025. The message, posted to the mayor's office Facebook page, recapped both accomplishments and challenges faced by the city in 2024.

The mayor highlighted several new initiatives aimed at improving city operations and community engagement. Among these were:

- The release of a snowplow tracker and a 311 app, designed to enhance transparency and improve service delivery.

- The establishment of the Youth Success Summit as a backbone support organization for local youth-serving non-profits.

- Launching the SCOUT Program, which includes a fire medic, a police officer, and a mental health professional jointly responding to specific calls.

- Starting the Street Team Pilot program, where credible messengers collaborate with at-risk youth, modeled on successful programs in other cities.

Mayor Malik also pointed to strategic financial investments aimed at supporting Akron’s future economy. Notably, the city’s support for the sustainable polymer industry cluster has secured more than $90 million in combined federal, state, local, and private corporate funding. Mayor Malik noted this initiative ties to the city’s historic association with the rubber industry, aiming to establish polymers as a major economic driver moving forward.

In discussing public safety and community challenges, Malik acknowledged several tragedies, such as the June 2 shooting, acts of gun violence, a chemical fire on Rosemary Boulevard, and use-of-force incidents. He stated that he faced these issues transparently, explaining his decisions and listening to community input.

As he enters his second year as mayor, Malik remains optimistic about Akron’s future and committed to continuing his work with the city’s 2,000 public servants. He recently sat down with Derek Kreider of the *Akron Beacon Journal* for an in-depth discussion about his first year in office, which included both successes and struggles. Residents were encouraged to read the full article for additional details.

In his closing remarks, Malik expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and vowed to continue pursuing strategies that focus on key areas such as public safety, education, economic development, health, housing, and the environment.

Source: City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office | Akron OH | Facebook

Source Type: Gov

Source Location: Akron

Akron, OH

https://www.facebook.com/778627444307432/posts/1020293116807529

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