HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AUGUSTA COMMISSION MEETING

JULY 19, 2023

Commissioner Appointments

Commissioner Jordan Johnson was recognized for his election as President, and Commissioner Catherine McKnight as 3rd Vice President of the Georgia Municipal Association’s 7th District. They both were installed during the 2023 Georgia Municipal Association Conference.

Housing and Community Development Enters MOU with Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity

The Augusta, Georgia’s Housing and Community Development Department has been approved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to provide affordable housing to families in Richmond County. Habitat for Humanity will construct three to five new dwellings, leveraging funding through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), sweat equity, and other funding.

The approval of the partnership allows Augusta Housing and Community Development to create safe, decent, and sanitary housing along with housing education and rehabilitation services throughout Augusta-Richmond County.

Grants Approved

The Augusta Commission approved the following grants: as the ones in the “Golden Blocks” area, offer morals or perhaps tell us of a better future.

• ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant Program provides $1,578,558.30 in funding for the Richmond County Marshal’s Office to provide equipment for more screening capabilities and improved security at the various court facilities.

From my perspective, they also represent a form of pushback, of protest. I see the gentrification that is happening in District 1, whether it’s in commercial downtown or part of the cultural shift in the Laney-Walker/Bethlehem neighborhood area. While paint can’t directly push back capitalism, murals are a reminder that we live here and our stories are important.

Our city, much like America, is a place that largely sees itself in Black and white. Let’s add a little color to the situation. We need more murals.

Ken Makin is the host of Makin’ A Difference and a freelance writer for ESPN and The Christian Science Monitor, among other outlets. Look him up on Facebook at Makin’ A Difference, and you can also send him an email with your thoughts at makinadifferenceshow@gmail. com.

Augusta to host mega hiring event in August

The Augusta, Georgia Human Resources Department is hosting their Mega Hiring Event in August. All sessions will be held from 10am to 1pm in the Linda W. Beazley Room in the Augusta Municipal Building, 535 Telfair Street. Attendees should bring a current resume and be prepared for a possible interview.

August 3, 2023 On this day, meet officials from the Augusta Fire Department, the Richmond County Correctional Institution, E-911, Richmond County Marshal’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Richmond County District Attorney, the Richmond

County Public Defender’s Office, and the Coroner’s Office. August 10, 2023

On this day, meet officials from Augusta Utilities, Augusta’s Engineering & Environmental Services, the city’s Central Services Department, Augusta Parks & Recreation, Augusta Regional Airport, and Augusta Transit.

August 17, 2023 On this day, meet officials from Augusta’s Human Resources Department, Compliance Department, Finance Department, Planning & Development, Tax Assessor’s Office, and Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System.