It's official: Christopher J. Hardesty is stepping in as the first Executive Director for the Downtown Akron Development Corporation (DADC), as announced by Akron Mayor Shammas Malik during the State of the City address. Hardesty will bring his economic savvy to the position starting July 7, leaving behind his role as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Canton. According to a statement obtained by the City of Akron, Hardesty has worked on varied development initiatives and is prepared to apply nearly a decade's worth of experience to foster growth in Downtown Akron.
Already acclaimed for shaping up Canton's Downtown area, Hardesty is set to concentrate his efforts on Akron's urban core. Having been acknowledged by the "ystark! 'Twenty under 40!'" class of 2024, and holding an Executive MBA from Walsh University and Ohio Certified Economic Developer credentials, Hardesty's educational background also crosses paths with Akron, where he is an alumnus. "I am looking forward to bringing my experience and expertise to Akron and identifying how I can best serve Downtown Akron’s residents and businesses alike," Hardesty told the City of Akron.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, alongside community leaders, met earlier this year to inaugurate the Downtown Akron Development Corporation, surpassing initial engagement and fundraising goals. The organization has drawn substantial support from various sectors, including government and philanthropic entities, with a significant $1.5 million matching grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as highlighted by an announcement on the City of Akron's official site.
The development challenges that Hardesty will tackle include mixed-use residential redevelopment, hotel construction near a convention center, and enhancing retail density. While he will coordinate funding, market properties, and connect with developers, the City, County of Summit, Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, Development Finance Authority, the Summit County Land Bank, and Downtown Akron Partnership are already contributing to these economic developments, as revealed to the City of Akron.
Hardesty's new responsibilities, according to the DADC Board, chaired by Ronald Paydo and vice-chaired by Brittany Grimes Zaehringer, will synergize with ongoing projects by providing comprehensive development oversight. He will collaborate closely with the board, the composition of which reflects a diverse group of stakeholders committed to Downtown Akron's prosperity.
