I want to keep these relatively short and sweet now that I've introduced myself and expressed gratitude for this incredible journey Wisdom and I have been on. We have a beautiful, challenging life together but we've got each other and that helps us get through each and every day.
Wisdom is also the reason why I am here, why I have the audacity to think I can lead the city that sits at the top of lots of lists. My reality is... it's not #1 for everyone but it can be. And I intend to lead it in that direction. That can only happen when we have a dedicated focus on those who need the most attention.
I have found there are 3 groups of people that meet that criteria of needing a dedicated focus. Those 3 groups are:
1. Our Elders: This can be done by helping them bridge the digital divide. But I think another thing we can look at that's more important, is how can we create a property tax bracket specifically for them that doesn't cause them to lose their property because the taxes are so high, especially when their house is paid off.
2. Our Youth and their Parents: I think people truly believe there is often a lot of focus on youth. Unfortunately more can be done at the age where change is most likely to happen (birth to 5). We need more investments in our littlest of littles in our underserved communities so their developing minds can have a brighter dream of what their future holds.
The age where I'm finding the supports really start to crumble is 8-12, those tween years. Parents need more support as they spend the majority of their days away from their children.
To help keep teenagers out of trouble, we need more opportunities that they initiate and get to dictate what happens versus showing up somewhere to do what they are told.
3. Our Homeless: Homelessness is a housing affordability issue. End of story. The city needs to allow more types of housing in order to make sure more types of people can afford them.
Now I'm not saying that these are exclusively the only groups of people to focus on. I'm saying these are mine. And I'm also not saying that I think the city should spend a lot of money on these groups.
What I am saying is that there does need to be money and time spent on these groups and the best most effective way to do it is an organized combination of city and community efforts.
For instance, homelessness is an issue I feel should be handled by the church. But how do churches that are struggling help a growing number of people facing homelessness?
My idea is to allow off-grid tiny homes to be exclusively built on church properties. This would model the ADU concept but on church property, as well as the cottage court model by using the church building as the uniting community structure.
I'm also seeing a community foundation, like a CDFI, that would have money on hand in a flex fund to be able to help people in whatever way they need.
I'm excited about seeing how we can support these 3 communities so that Raleigh can truly rise up and prove its equitable in welcoming ALL! What would you do differently? Any ideas? Please let me know. Thanks again for being here. Thanks in advance. Enjoy the amazing day you're creating. Peace...
Comments
Post a Comment