Message from Councilwoman McKenzie

 Lowered the Millage rate by 1.011 from 12.619 to 11.608 for College Park property owners, thus lowering taxes for the upcoming year for our residents. Jamelle refused to accept city staff's proposed increase that would only benefit the cities' $196+ revenue by $1 million but add an unwarranted burden to our residents.

 Completed purchase of Flint River Headwaters property from MARTA on August 1, 2024, adding - approximately 7 acres of green space to the city. This project will be a major component in attaching the city of College Park to a $150 million Atlanta Beltline project.

 Secured $500k in federal funding from Congressman Scott’s office to apply towards the Flint River project. Funding was jeopardized in January when Council voted to cancel MARTA contract. Jamelle fought to keep funding intact by advocating with federal and local legislators

 Secured EPA Brownfield Grant funds to perform Phase 1 cleanup of Flint River property and Price Barbershop Musuem.  Pre-purchase funding commitment documentation was critical for Flint River project. Jamelle worked diligently with City and EPA staff to get this accomplished by the MARTA purchase closing date of August 1, 2024. 

Opened SMART SAFE restrooms at Barrett Park (first of its kind South of I20) with wifi. Jamelle collaborated with city IT, Recreation, and Public Works staff and interim city manager to open long awaited restrooms in May 2024.

  Approved legislation to offer free recreation for all College Park families earning less than $50k per year at all our city recreation facilities. 

 Increased income limits for Seniors 65+ and disabled residents to 80k from 40k allowing more of our residents the ability to receive the Senior Homestead Property exemption. This will allow up to 700 senior and disabled homeowners to qualify for tax exemption.

 Established over $800k in 2024-25 Fiscal Budget for recreation facility improvements at Badgett Stadium, Barrett Patk, Conley & Brady Recreation as well as Main Street improvements, Brady Trail enhancements, Main Street Depot upgrades utilizing Hotel Motel Car Rental taxes (and not a penny of residential property tax/general fund dollars). 

 Advocated for the wall and voted to preserve the TWRC Rock Wall by redirecting $60k to pay for wall repairs and future programming.  

Allocated $120K in 2024-25 fiscal year budget in initiatives designed to give back to our local community: Ei: STEM lab and golf program for youth, financial workshops, local community engagement events, and more. 

 Advocated for and Established 1st official Juneteenth Celebration in the City of College Park and served on Cultural Arts Committee for City Our project management experts can help you plan and execute your projects more efficiently. We use the latest tools and techniques to ensure your project success.

 Collaborated with local businesses and organizations to raise over $60k in private funds to hold community events such as Back to School Bash (served 1100 persons), Senior Springo (served 160 seniors), Movie Night on city hall lawn (September 14, 2024) upcoming events and more!  

⁠Increased the annual employee utility credit (for employees who live in College Park) from $2400 to $4800 for full time employees and from $1200 to $2400 for part time employees.  

 Advocated for and created 1st (ever) Employee Quiet Room (and federally mandated lactating space) in City Hall (with donated massage chairs). Three more locations will be added during the next 12 months.

Organized and hosted Lovett School Civic Leadership Class of 45 students and their teachers at City Hall and our Historic Golf Course. Provided lunch and mini tour for the delegation.

 Advocated successfully for over $100K in city security camera upgrades and replacements as well as technology upgrades throughout the city. 

 Selected as one of 57 leaders across 11 counties to participate in Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2024 Regional Leadership Institute.  "RLI is a unique program that brings together a cross-section of leaders from across the metro region to share knowledge, learn and discuss key policy issues that impact the region, as well as build relationships to shape our region’s future to be inclusive and equitable for all its residents."   Regional Leadership Institute (RLI) - ARC (atlantaregional.org) 

Selected to represent the City College Park during Federal Legislative delegation trip to Washington, DC at the offices of Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Congressman David Scott and Congresswoman Nikema Williams in March 2024 

Attended and represented city of College Park as voting delegate at the Georgia Municipal Association Annual meeting in June in Savannah and the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia Annual meeting at Amelia Island, July 2024. 

 Established Ward 1 Community Champions and Ward 1 Stakeholder’s Roundtable groups 

Celebrated our Seniors and employees during Valentines, Easter and Mother’s Day with cards, and tokens of love and appreciation.