The City of Akron has again earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), marking the eighth time in nine years the city has achieved this distinction. Akron received a raw score of 108, tying its highest score since joining the index in 2015, and was also named an HRC “All-Star City” for surpassing 85 points despite Ohio lacking statewide LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections.

The MEI evaluates how inclusive city laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ residents. It offers a national snapshot of municipal commitments to equality and outlines best practices for local governments.

“Akron is a welcoming community for all, and we’re proud to support our LGBTQ+ residents and employees,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said. “The diversity of our community and our workforce is a strength, and we will continue to protect the rights of our citizens.”

Akron earned high marks for its nondiscrimination laws, including bonus points for protecting youth from conversion therapy. The city was also recognized for inclusive workplace policies, domestic partner benefits, and its LGBTQ+ liaisons in both the Mayor’s Office and the Akron Police Department. Additional credit was given for the city’s Civil Rights Commission and for reporting hate-crime data to the FBI.

Nationwide, a record 132 cities (more than 25% of those rated) earned a top score of 100 this year. Akron is among 64 cities to receive the All-Star designation.

The full 2025 MEI report and searchable city scorecards are available at hrc.org/mei.