More about
Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic
Under Mayor Plusquellic, Akron has seen the construction of
hundreds of new, market-rate homes throughout the inner city as part of a public,
non-profit corporation called the Urban Neighborhood Development Corporation. In
developing housing in Akron’s historically stable neighborhoods, more than
$56,000,000.00 has been invested in rehabilitating older homes during his tenure. The City
has partnered with non-profit and private builders to construct hundreds of new homes in
the city.
More visibly, Plusquellic has transformed downtown Akron,
which continues to experience a renaissance because of his leadership. As the principal
employment center of the county, with some 30,000 workers, downtown Akron has produced
significant increases in revenue generated from businesses, which in turn have helped
Akron to continue investing in neighborhoods to make them even stronger.
Among Mayor Plusquellic’s passions is public
education. Along with his efforts to rebuild all Akron Schools into new Community Learning
Centers, he has been a faithful partner with the Akron Public Schools in providing
leadership and the assurance of community-wide support for the challenges the school
system has faced.
Under his leadership, voters resoundingly approved ballot
issues to support operating and capital needs for Akron Public Schools well into the
future. Additionally, the Mayor has been instrumental in developing award-winning,
after-school programs that now serve youngsters from Akron’s most impoverished
neighborhoods, in 12 different locations.
Beginning in 1998, Mayor Plusquellic asked contributors to
his campaign to instead help him fund scholarships for Akron Public School students. The
contributions to the Donald L. Plusquellic Scholarship Fund endowed the program that has
awarded scholarships to the University of Akron for one student from each of Akron’s
high schools.
Honors and Recognition
- 2010:
- Israeli-American Chamber of Commerce Award for enhancing
trade relations
- 2009:
- Institute for Global Leadership at Tufts University, Global
Citizenship Award
- Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, Urban Hero Award
- U.S. Conference of Mayors presents Mayor Plusquellic with
his second City Livability Award citing excellence in mayoral leadership
- 2008:
- International Economic Development Council, Annual
Leadership Award for Public Service
- Named Vice President International Mayors for Peace
- Named honorary member of Raoul Wallenberg Foundation
- National Civic League designates Akron an All-America City
for second time under Mayor Don Plusquellic
- Begins leadership of Ohio’s Big City Mayors
organization
- 2004-2005:
- Named by fellow American mayors as the 62nd President of the
500-plus member United States Conference of Mayors
- 2003:
- American City & County Magazine names Mayor Plusquellic
the nation’s Municipal Leader of the Year
- 2000:
- Wall Street Journal features Mayor Plusquellic in front page
article May 16 concerning the importance of mayoral leadership in America’s future
- 1999:
- U.S. Conference of Mayors bestows Don Plusquellic with his
first City Livability Award
- 1995:
- National Civic League awards Mayor Plusquellic with the
first All-America City Award during his tenure as Akron’s mayor
Other Awards
- Akron Dapper Dan Sports Person of the Year
- Sale and Marketing Executives Association, Executive of the
Year Award
- National Jewish Fund Tree of Life Award
- Ohio Ballet Bravo Award
- Honorary Doctorate Degree from University of Akron
- Entry into leadership fraternity Omicron Delta Kappa at
University of Akron
- Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Akron
- Citizen of the Year, Board of Realtors
- Victim Assistance Award on organization’s 20th
anniversary
- Meritorious Service Award from United Negro College Fund
- National Association of Homebuilders Grand Award
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