Akron has several ongoing and planned developments aimed at expanding affordable housing options for 2025. Mayor Shammas Malik has emphasized supporting new affordable housing projects alongside home repair and demolition efforts as a key priority in the city’s capital budget.
Three major projects have been funded, with $1.85 million allocated to projects previously approved by the City Council. One nearly completed project is at 65 Nickel Street in West Hill, offering 43 affordable apartments near the I Promise housing complex and with convenient access to transit and recreational paths. This development also includes a playground to enhance community living.
Other projects are in earlier stages, such as The Collinson senior apartment building upgrade with 101 units, focusing on essential electrical and system improvements. Wintergreen Ledges on Vernon Odom Boulevard plans 120 new units with mixed affordability, receiving $480,000 in subsidies this year to help move construction forward.
Akron is also focusing on revitalizing Summit Lake, a neighborhood with over 100 city-owned parcels. The city aims to build 10 affordable homes there in 2025 through subsidies of $350,000. City officials hope to see between 15 to 20 homes start construction this year, encouraging a mixed-income community development to support existing residents and attract new ones.
Habitat for Humanity’s Silver Maple Ridge is another key affordable housing effort receiving city subsidies to enable new construction. These funds help local organizations recoup costs and push projects from planning to building phases.
The city’s incremental increases to housing programs also include downpayment assistance for new homeowners and solar panel installation help to lower energy costs. Programs addressing lead paint remediation and community gardens are continuing with enhanced budgets.
Overall, Akron’s 2025 affordable housing initiatives combine new construction, preservation, and rehabilitation with strategic subsidies and partnerships, aiming to boost quality housing availability, support low-income residents, and spur neighborhood revitalization. The focus on Summit Lake highlights a community-centered approach seeking to balance development while minimizing displacement or gentrification.
These programs position 2025 as a pivotal year for Akron to expand affordable housing stock through innovative, collaborative, and targeted investments designed to meet diverse resident needs.
Sources
(https://signalakron.org/akron-likely-to-increase-spending-toward-affordable-housing-home-repair-demolitions/)
(https://www.hondros.com/resources/blog/akron-ohio-housing-market-real-estate-forecast/)
(https://signalakron.org/fifty-new-homes-in-summit-lake-akron-is-asking-developers-for-ideas/)
(https://ohiohome.org/news/releases/2025/may-fundedprojects.aspx)
(https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/01/06/akron-unveils-2025-capital-budget-plans-to-boost-streets-and-housing/77399753007/)
