What does it mean to love our Midtown neighborhood?
I believe that loving Midtown means paying attention and participating. I learn how to love Midtown by spending time in it, understanding the vibe, and supporting our vibrancy. I love Midtown by frequenting the restaurants, chatting with neighbors, reading council agendas for initiatives that impact Midtown, and actively enjoying all the incredible cultural opportunities. I love Midtown intensely when I have a Blue Donkey coffee at the Green Market and I can spend hours chatting with friends in the sunshine.
What unique qualities do you offer that will continue the positive growth and work of MNA?
I offer an in depth knowledge of the systems of local governance that frame some of MNA’s work, particularly the work that we do with the NPU. I also have experience with successful communication strategies that increase energy and engagement. As current President, stepping down, I will be a reliable source of collaborative support to the new MNA leadership. I will offer guidance as requested and allow comfortable space for MNA to evolve into its next chapter.
How are you a good Midtown neighbor today?
I have volunteered with MNA since 2014. Most recently, I have served as President and Midtown’s NPU Representative for the last five years. While my involvement with MNA has allowed me to contribute meaningful work product, I think my best service to our neighborhood has been listening. I hope that my neighbors have felt heard and I hope they feel like I offered my best in time and resources to help solve challenges. In listening, I have evolved in my understanding of what makes Midtown special and what you want to change and what you want to protect.
Where would you like to see progress in our community?
As a district, Midtown is now the strongest contributor to our city economy. The growth is exciting. I want to make sure that Midtown revisits its history, honors the things that tell our story and the growth does not dilute the special qualities of our neighborhood. Much of that falls to us. As the residents, we are the part of Midtown that is rooted here. We can shape street level activation and we should work harder to influence that. I would like empty storefronts activated with a healthy variety of businesses including more focus on soft goods and resident focused services.
As an organization, I would like to see MNA with a six figure operating budget that is sourced from multiple revenue streams for sustained reliability. Our patrol should be better funded and expanded to include a minimum of 4 additional shifts per week. I would also like to see us reach 10K followers on Instagram and the release of our new website in Q1 2024 with a highly functional calendar.
But most importantly, I want to see us continue our impressive ability to make an impact through respectful discussion and team work.