Our community thrives when every member, from our vibrant youth to our respected elders, has a space to flourish. I’m running for City Council to ensure that District 8 becomes a model for shared opportunity and respect across generations. The recent challenges faced by our seniors and youth, particularly around the relocation of senior programming to Glenwood Community Center, underscore the urgent need for thoughtful, inclusive solutions.
The closure of the Eastgate senior center (which cost the city $90,000 per year to lease) and the temporary relocation to Glenwood has created significant hardships for both our elders and youth. We have many vacant or underutilized facilities that could be reappropriated and renovated to create a senior center worthy of our citizens. Seniors, who have dedicated their lives to building this community, deserve a facility that respects their contributions and supports their continued engagement. When seniors don’t have a place to go for community, they often become homebound, which can severely impact their mental health. Simultaneously, our youth—the future of this region—require spaces that encourage learning, creativity, and recreation without undue competition for resources. The current situation is a clear disservice to both groups.
As your City Council representative, I will prioritize finding a sustainable solution to this issue. This means working tirelessly to:
Secure a Dedicated Senior Center: I will advocate for a permanent, accessible, and well-equipped facility exclusively for seniors. This center will host activities, health services, and social programming designed to enhance their quality of life.
Expand Youth Resources: To ensure our young people thrive, I will push for increased funding for youth facilities and programming within the current youth centers in our city and beyond. It is essential that our youth not just feel valued and supported, but that our economic investment in their future is tangible.
Engage District 8 Stakeholders: I will seek specific guidance from our seniors, youth advocates, community leaders, and city planners to identify creative solutions that meet the needs of both groups. Your input will drive these decisions because no one understands your needs better than you.
Explore Innovative Partnerships: Partnering with private organizations and non-profits can help alleviate funding constraints while providing state-of-the-art facilities and programming.
Ensure Long-Term Financial Responsibility: While addressing these needs, I will advocate for fiscally responsible solutions that do not overly burden taxpayers but ensure high-quality outcomes for all. It isn’t enough to simply throw money at issues. Our ability as leaders to be creative while acknowledging restrictions, remains key.
I believe that strong neighborhoods honor their past while building their future. By addressing the needs of our elders and youth alike, we can make Chattanooga a beacon of intergenerational energy and progress.