KEN STAPLETON

Akron, Ohio 

AFFILIATION: Director, University Park Alliance, The University of Akron  

AREA OF EXPERTISE: Revitalization of urban neighborhoods and downtowns; design and implementation of innovative urban security programs; university-community partnerships 

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE: With over twenty years of urban revitalization and economic development experience, Ken currently leads efforts to revitalize the neighborhoods surrounding The University of Akron through new initiatives in business recruitment, commercial and housing development, community engagement, and public safety. Previously, Ken served as senior vice president for the Downtown Cleveland Partnership and as redevelopment consultant in several South Florida cities, including work in downtown Miami and South Beach. He is also a national consultant on urban safety programs and holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Real and perceived safety are critical qualities for any livable community. However, these qualities are often overlooked or forgotten during the design process. Ken is interested in looking at ways in which safety and security issues can be better integrated in community building and neighborhood livability efforts and actually implemented by planning directors, developers, elected officials, and designers.

E-MAIL: ks32@uakron.edu