Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro delivered her eighth State of the County address this week. She emphasized public safety, economic development and social services amid ongoing economic and technological challenges. Shapiro told residents that the county’s future depends on collaboration and resilience rather than outside forces.
“The future of Summit County will not be written for us. It will be written by us,” Shapiro said. “People who invest in their communities, build businesses, mentor young students and step forward when challenges arise are the ones who will determine our future.”
Public Safety and Health Investments
Shapiro pointed to a $45 million investment in the Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund as one of the county’s key accomplishments. The fund draws on opioid settlement dollars to support local health and safety programs. Officials also cited a $5 million Community Empowerment Fund created to help communities affected by the opioid epidemic.
Additional progress includes the near completion of the Summit Connects public safety fiber network, a system spanning about 135 miles. The Summit Emergency Communications Center has also expanded its capabilities, including an artificial intelligence virtual assistant known as AVA. Shapiro noted continued improvements underway at the Summit County Jail as well.
Economic Development Efforts
Economic growth remained a central theme of the address. Shapiro discussed continued expansion of the Polymer Industry Cluster and NEO SMART, a regional initiative that recently secured a $160 million National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine award. She also cited ongoing investments in infrastructure, housing, brownfield redevelopment and new business growth across the county.
Social Services and County Values
Shapiro acknowledged mounting challenges facing the county’s social services system tied to changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid. She praised workforce and social service programs run by Summit County Job and Family Services for helping residents navigate those changes.
Shapiro closed by emphasizing that the county’s greatest strength remains its people. “New technology may change how we live. But it will never replace the values that have always defined us: hard work, resilience, creativity, compassion and a commitment to one another,” she said. “Those are human qualities. Those are Summit County qualities.”
The full speech and a recording of the event are available online at co.summitoh.net/2026StateoftheCounty.
FAQs
Q: Who delivered the State of the County address?
A: Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro delivered the address, marking her eighth time giving the annual speech.
Q: What major public safety investments were announced?
A: Shapiro highlighted a $45 million Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund and the near completion of the 135 mile Summit Connects fiber network.
Q: What economic development wins did Shapiro mention?
A: She cited growth in the Polymer Industry Cluster and a $160 million National Science Foundation award for NEO SMART.
Q: How is the county addressing the opioid epidemic?
A: Through the Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund and a separate $5 million Community Empowerment Fund for affected communities.
Q: Where can residents watch the full address?
A: The full speech and recording are posted at co.summitoh.net/2026StateoftheCounty.
