Council approves HUD- and CDBG-funded lead abatement and minor-home-repair programs
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Summary
Akron City Council approved continuation of a lead-abatement program funded by HUD/CDBG at $560,000 and a minor-home-repair program (CDBG) with up to $10,000 per property, estimated to assist 50–70 homes.
Akron City Council approved two ordinances to fund housing-related programs using HUD and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Council approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor or his designee to contract with Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio to continue the Lehi Safe Akron lead-abatement program. Councilman Fusco said the program is funded through HUD and CDBG for $560,000 “in pursuit of reducing the amount of lead in our homes here in the city of Akron.” The ordinance passed 13–0.
Council also approved a contract with Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio to operate a minor-home-repair program for fiscal years 2025–2026. Councilman Fusco described the program’s scope: to assist senior citizens and disabled homeowners with minor repairs not to exceed $10,000 per property. He estimated the program would serve “about 50 to 70 homes” citywide, subject to application and qualification. That ordinance also passed 13–0.
Why it matters: The lead-abatement and minor-repair programs use federal CDBG/HUD funding to address housing health hazards and to help low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners make safety-related repairs.
What the council decided: Both ordinances were approved by suspended rules and passed unanimously; the contracts will be executed with Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio and staff will proceed with applicant qualification and project selection.
Ending: The city expects to proceed with contracting and to start intake and repairs under the two programs; applications and qualification processes were described as required but no intake timeline was specified in the meeting transcript.