I’m Billy Soule, Assistant to Mayor Don Plusquellic for Community Relations and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator. Our mission is to create pathways for communications with our citizens, and, to be the liaison for the Mayor’s Office, when working with residents, churches, non-profit and community organizations, and other institutions.

We often meet with organizations and groups to discuss matters of interest, programs and ideas that might affect the quality of their lives and the lives of those they serve.

The Office of Community Relations is responsible for designing programs and campaigns that serve the public interest. We currently oversee the following programs and activities:

• Annual Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest and Commemoration program
• Global Youth Service Day Awards
• City of Akron’s Black History Month display and activities
• Neighbors Day Akron
• National Night Out (Against Crime)
• Charles Salem Humanitarian Awards
• Akron PeaceMakers (youth civic/anti-crime program)
• ADA coordination to provide reasonable accommodation in respect to providing access to public programs, activities and services for persons with disability (see ADA Services)
• …and many other civic and/or anti-crime activities

We also assist other City of Akron divisions with their community relations projects. We have helped the Akron Police Department with its recruitment efforts; designed National Night Out (Against Crime) anti-crime signs, which are displayed throughout the community; assisted the Housing Department in their 2011-2012 Lead Paint program; and are involved in many other projects as well.

We also act as coordinator for the Greater Akron 9-11 Remembrance Coalition, in the City of Akron’s partnership with the United Way of Summit County, Summit County Chapter of The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and The University of Akron. The group designs programs and events to honor those who service our community and our country. In 2011 we collaborated on the planning and implantation of the city-wide 10^th Anniversary of the September 11^th attacks on America.