What does it mean to love our Midtown neighborhood?
If you live in and love Midtown, you likely also love city energy, creativity, and the benefits of urban density. You are ok with sharing your favorite green spaces and love participating in our wide spectrum cultural events throughout the year. You love walking to dinner, to run errands, or to see a show. More than the things to do, Midtown has amazing people. We exude a vibe that draws students, families, young and old in all phases of life and experience, from all backgrounds. Decades of our community’s history prove that being in love with Midtown means celebrating difference and offering understanding and compassion in return.
What unique qualities do you offer that will continue the positive growth and work of MNA?
I have an energy for service that is limitless. It was born from watching my family as a child and it is continually stoked by the positive experiences I encounter along the way. I am organized. I have good communication skills. And as a result of being the child of an engineer and a proud graduate of Georgia Tech, I am a solid critical thinker. I enjoy working with people and prefer a team of innovative partners over solo effort.
How are you a good Midtown neighbor today?
I am an active and engaged Midtown neighbor and consistent Atlanta voter. I participate in regular monthly Midtown and citywide meetings to stay informed and offer my perspective and assistance where helpful. I connect my neighbors to resources and answers their questions when they’ve reached a stumbling block. I am always available. I also spend time with my neighbors. I remember their birthdays, celebrate their children – including furry ones, and send random texts to share a thought or interesting news. I am a friend and a reliable helper.
I support the Piedmont Park Conservancy, High Museum, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Atlanta Preservation Center, and Our House in making our community stronger in a variety of ways.
I currently serve as MNA President and devote a sizable number of hours to the work of connecting our community, building an inclusive organization, and advocating on important topics on behalf of Midtown residents. As a result of being part of this team, we have influenced public safety initiatives, development projects, zoning decisions, liquor license applications, special event logistics, green space enhancements, major road projects, and bike lane expansion. We’ve also grown our social media presence to be the largest one of all Atlanta civic associations. Our annual events are some of the most popular neighborhood events in the city and they are growing each year. I’ve never worked harder at being a good neighbor and I love doing it each day with my fellow Midtown resident leaders.
Where would you like to see progress in our community?
I would like to see progress on our major road projects along Piedmont, Juniper and Monroe as well as improved safety buffers for our bike lanes.
As a community, I think we need to embark on a meaningful review and study of potential development areas – especially along our major corridors. We should approach this with an open mind and with the shared goal of protecting the Midtown story while simultaneously embracing some growth and change. Midtown can be a thought leader on how to address affordable housing in our Garden District as well as in the incredible density being created in the Midtown Improvement District.
For MNA specifically, I want to see greater bench depth at our committee level where residents can tailor their available time commitment while still providing incredibly helpful support to our programs. And finally, I would like to see MNA continue to grow recurring operating revenue through robust resident memberships and business sponsors so we can comfortably and reliably fund improvement projects and community building special events each year.