Strides in racial relations have been made recently , Townsend says , noting the city of Elwood ’ s recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr . holiday several years ago .
“ We need to continue to make bigger strides ,” she says , citing examples during the administration of Mark Lawler , Anderson ’ s mayor for four terms beginning in the 1990s . During that stretch , a crime watch was started and target zones for upgrading entire streets were established .
Currently , better code enforcement is needed in Anderson , Townsend says , to improve property values and neighborhood pride .
“ There is a need for a vision and a plan , a way to keep things moving ,” she explains . “ Four years from now , I hope there is more collaboration among agencies . There needs to be money invested to jump-start new businesses in the area and to sustain those that have located here .”
Some Anderson neighborhoods continue to deal with high poverty and low educational attainment .
“ Housing is tied directly to economic development ,” Townsend points out . “ When companies are looking to locate in Anderson , they look to see if there is available , affordable housing . We don ’ t have a highly skilled and highly educated workforce . We need good housing and schools .”
As director of the local public housing agency ,
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Townsend has set goals , such as completing the Lincolnshire Apartment project and bringing more affordable housing to the area .
“ I want to work with people who can help fulfill those goals ,” she notes . “ Right now , I ’ m participating in a lot of community discussions ; people are looking to me for leadership .”
IS A NEED FOR A VISION AND A PLAN , A WAY TO KEEP THINGS MOVING . FOUR YEARS FROM NOW , I HOPE THERE IS MORE COLLABORATION AMONG AGENCIES .
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Thomas Newman Jr ., a board member with the Housing Authority , says Townsend is the right person to lead .
“ She has been such an angel for so many areas of Madison County ,” he says . “ Everybody is realizing what community and public service can be when they use her as a role model . She has been a great inspiration for so many people .”
Housing Authority board member Terry Taylor calls Townsend ’ s leadership “ amazing ,” citing “ involvement in the local community and her involvement nationwide by bringing new ideas to Anderson .” •
ANDERSON HOUSING AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIM TOWNSEND ( SITTING AT HEAD OF TABLE ), IS SHOWN WITH DIVERSE MEMBERS OF HER TEAM AT THE AGENCY . LEFT TO RIGHT ARE ANTHONY L . JORDAN , MARY RANDOL , KIM TOWNSEND , WENDY KING AND MELISSA PEREZ .
2023 Diversity Magazine 9