SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Earlier today, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro delivered her annual State of the County Address at the John S. Knight Center in Downtown Akron. The event was sponsored by the Akron Press Club and the proceeds directly benefit scholarships for local students studying journalism and public relations.
In her speech, County Executive Shapiro described her philosophy for advancing Summit County as one that is fostering collaboration and innovation to position the County as an adaptive, competitive leader in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world.
She detailed significant achievements aligning with this philosophy, including the successful launch of the County’s new, state of the art 9-1-1 dispatch center, the Summit Emergency Communications Center, significant investments in critical sewer and water infrastructure, further development of the County’s public safety fiber network, Summit Connects, and community-wide implementation of Unite Us, a game-changing technology platform that links people with care and resources.
In recognition of the County’s growing older adult population, she announced her intent to grant Direction Home Akron-Canton $8 million to provide expanded services and programs to older adults in Summit County. The investment will support home repairs, food deliveries, and digital services.
County Executive Shapiro also announced a new program, First Home First Loan, to support homeownership for low to moderate income families. The County will provide 3 to 1 down payment matching to eligible residents. Applications for the program will open on November 1.
She closed with the statement, “I want to remind you that the State of Summit County is strong because our people are strong.”
The speech and a recording of the event are available at https://co.summitoh.net/2023StateoftheCounty.
