Kent · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kent public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
KSU Town-Gown Relations and Enrollment
Kent State reports enrollment pressure from demographics and international visa issues, but touts a 51% graduation rate and strong downtown student engagement, including a successful Flash's First Friday drawing thousands of students downtown.
Continued property tax exemptions for local employers
Council continued tax exemption agreements with Davey Tree, Mazda's KMPH Real Estate and Klaben Property Management under the enterprise zone and community reinvestment area programs.
Celebrate Kent! 2026 event grants
$13,800 of the $15,000 annual downtown-events fund was distributed — every applicant was funded, including first-timer Kent State's Flashes First Friday. Staff will survey businesses on the events' economic impact.
Bliss Ohio cannabis dispensary extended hours
The dual-use dispensary sought to match competitors' hours, with the biggest change being a few extra hours on Sundays. Police reported almost no problems since it opened, and council gave its blessing.