Hey neighbor!
My name is Fran Wilson. (they/them)
I’m your Akron Ward 1 Council Representative.
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Meet Council Rep. Fran.
Fran is a fourth generation Akronite, a community organizer, a cat-parent, and a resident of the historic West Hill neighborhood. Fran is a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Vincent - St. Mary High School. Fran has also served as a Board member of the West Hill Neighborhood Organization, as well as Secretary and Commissioner of the Akron Civil Rights Commission, which investigates cases of discrimination. Before taking office, Fran spent over five years observing and sitting in on Council meetings, advocating on local issues.
In their time on council, Fran has authored and passed legislation, provided checks-and-balances, and prioritized responding to neighbors. Fran is proud and honored to represent their neighbors on Council.
Fran uses they/them pronouns, and can be addressed as “Councilperson,” “Council Representative,” or just “Fran!” (Learn about personal pronouns here.)
Fran’s been in the news.
“Wilson strives for responsiveness.” / Akron.com
“Akron leaders speak out against proposed Ohio ICE legislation.” / Ideastream
“Model citizen.” / Akron Life Magazine
“Akron City Council considers rule changes.” / Ideastream
Come to a Ward 1 Meeting.
About Meetings
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, May 6, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Balch Street Community Center Theatre, located at 220 South Balch Street. Topic: Homelessness in Akron.
Ward 1 Meetings will take place on the First Wednesday of each month, at 6 p.m. In 2026, all Ward 1 meetings will be hosted at Balch Street Community Center Theatre, located at 220 South Balch Street.
Parking
Residents may park on Balch Street or in the large surface parking lot on the south side of the building. The main entrance to the theatre is facing Balch Street and has a large “Theatre” sign over the doors.
Bus Stops
Line 1 stop (three blocks away): West Market x Balch.
Line 27 stop (one block away): West Exchange x South Maple.
Accessibility
The parking lot and sidewalks are all flat surfaces and well lit areas. There are three short sets of stairs going into the theatre’s main entry doors facing Balch Street. Residents needing an elevator may enter through the double doors facing the parking lot. Once inside, take the elevator to the First Floor, go right and down the hallway, and through the double doors to the Theatre Lobby. Bathrooms are spacious and have rails and support in single stalls. For assistance, there will be an attendant on site.
Meeting Calendar
Changes to the schedule and location will be found on this webpage and/or sent out by email notification.
