Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Title:Downtowns That Drive Regions: Insights from Brookings Downtowns are being reimagined, and their impact reaches well beyond city boundaries. In this special two-part episode focused on the Elevate Greater Akron priority, “Strong Downtown, StrongRegion”,Brookings Metro fellow Tracy Hadden Loh presents national research and local insight into the evolving role of downtowns, breaking down four core dimensions that shape down town performance: economic activity, social and cultural life, civic spaces and services, and the built environment and mobility. Her presentation creates a clear framework for understanding how downtowns drive opportunity, connection, and regional vitality.

Step into Greater Akron’s homebuilding landscape with Richard Bancroft, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association serving Summit & Portage Counties. He explains what the HBA does and why Ohio’s regulatory environment matters, unpacking how tightening codes, material requirements, and labor shortages affect costs and timelines. We explore consumer trends—renovating versus building new—and how community partnerships are addressing affordability and access. Plus, hear an exclusive preview of the AkronHome & Garden Show happening February12–14, 2026, at the John S. Knight Center—a family-friendly event whether you’re planning a new build or a remodel.

Behind every high-performing nonprofit is a board that knows how to listen, lead, and stay in rhythm. In this episode, BVU’s Biz Voudouris joins Steve Millard to discuss the founding of BVU and the growing need for strong, confident governance in today’s challenging nonprofit landscape. Biz breaks down the board chair as “conductor,” the value of clear expectations, and the importance of effective meetings, succession planning, and contingency thinking. She also shares her top three priorities for 2026 to help boards amplify their impact and strengthen the region’s nonprofit ecosystem.

Akron native and former military helicopter pilot Ned Parks, now the owner of Aegis 360Consulting, joins Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to discuss how aviation has shaped his career andOhio’s broader economic momentum. He touches on the state’s unusually high number of airports, the challenge of keeping them ready year-round, and Ohio’s reputation as the nation’s largest flyover state. Ned also spotlights the annual AOPA Props and Pistons showcase as a major draw that brings visitors into the region, highlights Greater Akron’s assets, and encourages people to return, explore, and invest in the community.

What would it take to transform early childhood education and strengthen Akron’s workforce at the same time? Richelle Wardell (City of Akron) and Laura DiCola (GAR Foundation) unpack theUnified Early Learning Pilot, a bold effort to stabilize childcare providers, boost quality, and get more kids kindergarten-ready. They discuss the data linking early literacy to long-term success, the staffing shortages pushing providers into crisis, and how strategies like substitute pools, leadership training, and on-site navigators aim to bring coherence to a patchwork system. With phase one underway and phase two already forming, they share what success could mean for families, employers, and the future of Summit County.