Emilia Sykes

AKRON — On Feb. 27, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) hosted her annual Faith Leaders Breakfast at The Faith Place.

The roundtable brought together clergy and community faith leaders from across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. They discussed local needs and federal investments and shared priorities for 2026. The event served as a forum for dialogue, collaboration and updates on Sykes’ work in Congress to support families across Northeast Ohio, according to a press release from Sykes’ office.

“From the beginning, my mission has been to ensure our community has a strong voice in Congress,” Sykes said in the release. “Faith leaders are essential partners in this work. They are on the front lines serving families every day, uplifting our neighborhoods and helping to meet urgent needs. I’m grateful to convene this annual conversation and hear directly about the challenges and opportunities facing our congregations and communities.”

During the discussion, Sykes highlighted major federal investments secured for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, including more than $12.5 million in fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding for local water infrastructure, parks, safety facilities and neighborhood improvement projects. She also shared updates on constituent services, including her office’s success in helping Northeast Ohio residents navigate federal agencies and secure earned benefits, according to her office.