Akron City Council has approved the city’s 2026 capital budget, a $341.9 million spending plan that puts a major focus on water and sewer upgrades as residents prepare for expected increases in sewer rates.

The plan, proposed by Mayor Shammas Malik and passed 12-0 this week, centers on long-term improvements to some of the city’s oldest infrastructure. Much of the investment is aimed at modernizing Akron’s sewer system, reducing overflows, and meeting environmental requirements.

One of the biggest projects is the completion of the Northside Interceptor Tunnel, designed to improve how the city handles stormwater and wastewater. The budget also includes replacing the historic Brittain Road Reservoir as part of broader water system upgrades.

While the capital budget deals with bricks-and-mortar projects, a separate operating budget, expected before the end of March, will cover day-to-day city services.

“We are continuing to invest in areas that are core to our city services and responsibilities including transportation infrastructure, water and sewer projects, and public safety equipment,” Malik said.

The overall plan includes $209.3 million in state funding, $28.8 million in federal dollars, and $95.8 million in local funds.

Beyond sewer and water work, the budget sets aside $6.5 million for road resurfacing across about 52 centerline miles, $1 million for sidewalk repairs to help clear a long backlog, continued upgrades at the Stubbs Justice Center, improvements to parks and recreation spaces, support for infill housing, and replacement of two city salt domes.

City officials say the increased sewer spending reflects the scale of Akron’s aging infrastructure. As those projects move forward, residents are expected to see higher sewer costs tied to the ongoing effort to upgrade the system.

Akron has also finished removing all lead service lines and is now working to eliminate galvanized lines that were once connected to lead, with a goal of finishing by the end of 2027.