City Of Akron, Launch League To Host Annual 'Hack N Akron 3.0'

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH -- The City of Akron will host its third annual Hack N Akron, a civic hack-a-thon powered by Launch League, on Sat., Dec. 9, 2017 at FirstEnergy's West Akron Campus, located at 341 White Pond Drive, Akron, Ohio 44320. This event brings together more than 100 coders, designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, students and civically-engaged individuals to develop unique solutions to Akron’s civic challenges.

The first two Hack N Akron events focused on Mayor Horrigan's vision of creating an Open Data Platform that would increase city data access to individual citizens as well to neighborhood project managers, ultimately, leading to greater use of community assets such as the Community Learning Center reservation.

"We know that some of our most persistent organizational challenges could be significantly improved through the efficient use of technology," Mayor Horrigan said. "So we’ve brought together a motivated, resourceful team of tech- and design-savvy hackers to help us creatively re-think our processes and improve residents’ experiences. I'm pleased that the tech and business communities have come together on this project, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish!"

Nicholas Petroski, Launch League's founder and Hack N Akron organizer agrees.

"We've seen amazing progress in the city since our first hack-a-thon last year in terms of open data, innovation and technology, as well as community-oriented branding and storytelling,” Petroski said. “It's inspiring to see such a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives come together to create these solutions."

The hack-a-thons have benefitted from abundant community engagement, along with significant corporate support from Good Year Tire and Rubber Company and FirstEnergy. This blending of community and corporate interests sets Akron’s hack-a-thons apart from others and creates a unique environment in which a creative and innovative problem solving can thrive.

WHAT: Hack N Akron 3.0 – A civic hack-a-thon powered by Launch League

• Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
• 8:15 a.m. - Kickoff with Mayor Horrigan
• 7:00 p.m. - Final Presentations and Demonstrations

• FirstEnergy West Akron Campus,
• 341 White Pond Dr., Akron, OH 44320

Registration is required.

For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary / Assistant Director of Law
166 South High Street
Suite 200
Phone: 3303752325
E-mail: ELander@akronohio.gov