Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Akron has always had what it takes to lead in polymers. Building on strong momentum from 2025, the Polymer Industry Cluster looks ahead to 2026 and the next chapter of innovation in Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio. This episode highlights key wins, including the launch of the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort at Bounce Innovation Hub, R&D funding awarded to 13 companies, and progress on an innovation pilot facility designed to help researchers scale ideas for market. Together, these efforts show how the Cluster is driving big, world-changing ideas, supporting companies through product development and commercialization, and equipping the workforce—from K–12 education to adult job seekers—to reinforce Greater Akron as a global center for polymer innovation.

Affordable childcare remains a major barrier for working parents, with ripple effects across families, employers, and the broader economy. In this special episode, Joel Potts, Chief Government and External Affairs Officer at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), joins Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance Vice President John Rizzo to discuss Ohio’s new 2026 Child Care Cred Program. Together, they explain how the 40/40/20 cost-share model works, who’s eligible, and how the program helps employers attract and retain talent, supports employees with childcare costs, and sustains childcare providers across the state. Learn more at www.childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.

In the second episode of this special two-part series focused on the Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) priority, Strong Downtown, Strong Region, the conversation shifts from national research to local action. Facilitated by EGA Vice President Emily Lundgard, partners Kimberly Beckett (Downtown Akron Partnership), Suzie Graham Moore (City of Akron), and Chris Hardesty (Downtown Akron Development Corporation) discuss how Brookings’ concept of hyperlocal placemaking is being realized here in Downtown Akron. Partnersdiscussed the collective vision behind the new Downtown Akron Strategic Plan and Equity Framework, the launch of the Downtown Akron Development Corporation, and the progress made and challenges still ahead. The discussion highlights what residents, business owners, and visitors can expect to see next—and how cross-sector partnerships are shaping a stronger, more vibrant downtown that supports long-term regional vitality.

Building a Stronger Downtown AkronIn the second episode of this special two-part series focused on the Elevate Greater Akron (EGA)priority, Strong Downtown, Strong Region, the conversation shifts from national research to localaction. Facilitated by EGA Vice President Emily Lundgard, partners Kimberly Beckett (DowntownAkron Partnership), Suzie Graham Moore (City of Akron), and Chris Hardesty (Downtown AkronDevelopment Corporation) discuss how Brookings’ concept of hyperlocal placemaking is beingrealized here in Downtown Akron. Partnersdiscussed the collective vision behind the newDowntown Akron Strategic Plan and Equity Framework, the launch of the Downtown AkronDevelopment Corporation, and the progress made and challenges still ahead. The discussionhighlights what residents, business owners, and visitors can expect to see next—and how cross-sector partnerships are shaping a stronger, more vibrant downtown that supports long-termregional vitality.

Downtowns are being re-imagined, and their impact reaches well beyond city boundaries. In this special two-part episode focused on the Elevate Greater Akron priority, “Strong Downtown, Strong Region”, 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 downtown 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.