Details about Akron’s first

Civic Assembly

What’s it like to be a Delegate in Akron’s first Civic Assembly?

What is a Civic Assembly?

A Civic Assembly is a group of residents who come together to work on one shared issue: housing.

Members of the Assembly (called Delegates) are chosen through a random lottery from Akron households. This helps make sure the Assembly reflects the whole city, not just the loudest voices or those with the most free time.

Delegates are given:

  • Clear information

  • Time to learn and talk things through

  • Support to participate fully

  • And a real role in shaping recommendations city leaders will respond to

Apply to be a Delegate

If I’m a Delegate, what will I do?

As a Delegate, you will:

  • Learn about housing in Akron (what’s working and what’s not)

  • Hear from local experts and neighbors with real-life experience

  • Listen to each other and understand different points of view

  • Talk through hard choices and trade-offs in small groups with professional facilitators

  • Work together to create clear, practical recommendations

This isn’t just a dialogue, and Delegates don’t debate to win.

You will deliberate. You’ll listen, ask questions, and work toward shared solutions.

Want to learn more first?

Akron brings residents together to work through tough housing issues in a thoughtful, practical way. If you’d like to learn more before deciding, fill out the form belowand we’ll be in touch.

What’s the time commitment?

The Assembly meets once a week from March 14 to May 14, 2026, on five Saturdays and four Thursday evenings.

  • Saturday, March 14 — 10am to 5pm

  • Thursday, March 19 — 6 to 8pm

  • Saturday, March 28 — 10am to 5pm

  • Saturday, April 11 — 10am to 5pm

  • Thursday, April 16 — 6 to 8pm

  • Saturday, April 25 — 10am to 5 pm

  • Thursday, April 30 — 6 to 8pm

  • Saturday, May 9 — 10am to 5pm

  • Thursday, May 14 — 6 to 8pm

The Assembly will meet in a downtown Akron location, and Delegates will receive more information about the logistics.

Are Delegates paid?

Yes. Delegates receive a $1,000 stipend for full participation in the Assembly.

This recognizes the time, care, and effort it takes to do this work well.

What support is provided?

The Assembly is designed so more people can say yes.

Delegates receive support such as:

  • Transportation help

  • Childcare or family care support

  • Meals during meetings

  • Language and accessibility support

The goal is simple: no one should be excluded because of cost, time, or logistics.

Meet Dreama:
Your Civic Concierge

Taking part in something new can feel like a lot. That’s why every Delegate has access to a Civic Concierge.

Dreama’s role is to:

  • Be a go-to person for questions and support

  • Help Delegates navigate schedules, logistics, and needs

  • Check in if someone misses a session or needs extra help

  • Make sure every Delegate feels welcomed, supported, and heard

Dreama is there so Delegates never feel like they’re doing this alone.