opportunity

Last night, I went to a monthly citizens advisory committee meeting. This CAC is for a redevelopment area. I used to be on the board of the CAC but resigned when I changed jobs. I continue to go to the meetings b/c I learn so much, especially the political process and how to get things done in an under-served neighborhood.

One topic that continue to plague this community is the lack of jobs for its residents, especially young men who come out of jail sentences.

I felt the frustration of the workforce program staff who came to request jobs from the redevelopment effort. It is sad that in a city of so many multi-million dollar mansions and condos, this neighborhood has to struggle so much.

I was more motivated than ever to perfect my skills and continue to work in land use. I have been lucky and worked on many interesting redevelopment projects. I hope that one day I can come back to a thriving community rather than a meeting where we spent the first 5 minutes in silence for the teenage boy who was shot in school that afternoon.