Tallahassee’s southside: Intentionality is the key to building community value
For this neighbor, Tallahassee's southside is a case study in intentionality. It is the place where rich civil rights history, grand oak trees, and the preservation of genuine identity has played out in the halls of public policy and the pursuits of the private sector.
From my purview, investors have been waiting on this esoteric “signal” that would pave the way for profitable development and investment along the corridors of South Monroe and South Adams streets, and within the boundaries of its legacy neighborhoods. An area previously overshadowed by narratives of neglect and disparity is now being hailed as “fertile investment ground”.
While public investments and collaborative efforts are reshaping this narrative paving the way for a future of prosperity and inclusivity, many residents and those raised within both the historic and policy boundaries of Tallahassee’s southside are left asking will there be a community left for them when the “smoke clears”.
As a proud southside resident, I get it. I can also say that now is the time for longtime and native residents to truly dive in and learn about the incentives and opportunities that our municipal governments, the Tallahassee Community Reinvestment Agency (CRA), Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, and Leon County Schools 1/2 Cent tax have played in leveling the playing field of value for current and future residents. I know it is easy to listen to the polarizing rhetoric that seems to be the rhythm of local politics, but don’t be distracted - great things are happening and you – yes, you - need to find out what they are for yourself.
Building community value is more about building opportunities and making investments that reflect our core values individually and collectively. It is about housing availability, accessibility, and affordability. It is about safety on our streets and safety in our homes and respect of public order and process. It is about having children in learning environments that set high expectations and facilitates opportunities for future work and relevant employment. It is about ensuring that infrastructural needs are advocated for in ways that does not pit sides of town against one another to compete for adequacy and necessity.
The great news is - progress is happening and we need to see it with our own eyes and understand it based on what we value most. A look at the demographic economic data from Leon County Census Tracts in the southside from 2010-2023 reveals higher home prices, racial demographic shifts, a growing senior population, and a host of other indicators of change. This coupled with innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and workforce development to empower residents to fully participate in the burgeoning economy is truly a recipe for the kind of community prosperity that we can all believe in.
It is with in mind that we invite the community to come learn how Tallahassee’s southside is economically thriving and how we need to move forward to ensure that it remains a place that people can see and experience value in the future.
Therefore, join us at 6 p.m. on March 26th for a community forum entitled “Building Community Value: A focus on Tallahassee’s South Side and the future of opportunity, investment and socio-cultural preservation”.
This gathering, which will be held at the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology on the campus of Florida A&M University, promises to be interactive, enlightening and inspirational and we seek to empower neighbors and residents who want to know where we are, where we are headed, and how we can continue to advocate for balanced growth that is inclusive and respects our shared legacy and experiences within the boundaries of our beloved community and beyond.
Christic Henry is a community advocate, business owner and lover of all things south side. You can reach her at christichenry@gmail.com.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Christic Henry: Intentionality is the key to building community value
