Last month, New Kent Dems engaged young voters, soon-to-be voters, and older adults in a Share Your Voice activity at the NAACP Fall Festival to learn what was important to them in their community. Participants were asked two questions: What is one thing you would fix or change in New Kent? What is your big idea to make our community better for everyone? Below is an excerpt from an analysis of the responses. We look forward to creating ways in which we can work closely with the community in the new year.
The responses to Question 1 are grouped into four categories:
- Invest in our people and community (social infrastructure)
- What they said: More programs for seniors, daycare/after-school for people with disabilities, youth/teen activities
- The underlying need: A desire for connection, support for vulnerable populations, and things to do that build a sense of community
- Tackle the cost of living and infrastructure (foundational issues)
- What they said: Affordable housing, lower taxes, traffic safety, better public transit
- The underlying need: Financial pressure and concerns about basic quality of life & safety
- Expand responsible development and amenities (economic & quality of life)
- What they said: More stores, better grocery options, saving nature
- The underlying need: A desire for convenience and economic vitality but balanced with a concern for preserving the community’s character and environment
- A voice in our future (meta-comment)
- What they said: “I would change the amount of money needed for anything.”
- The underlying need: A feeling of being priced out and powerless, economic anxiety
The responses to Question 2 cluster into several themes:
- A community connected (the heart of the responses)
- What they said: More community events, fairs, get-togethers
- The big idea: There is a profound hunger for social connection and a stronger sense of community identity
- A community that cares for everyone (the moral core)
- What they said: Inclusive playgrounds, focus on people in need, help for disabled and homeless individuals, “to be more inclusive and respectful to all citizens”
- The big idea: A clear and passionate call for equity, inclusivity, and support for the most vulnerable
- A community with things to do (recreation & amenities)
- What they said: Sports center, indoor recreation center, water park, county fair
- The big idea: People want fun, engaging, shared spaces for all ages
- A community that grows fairly (infrastructure & development)
The big idea: Smart, equitable development that serves the entire county
What they said: Affordable housing, balanced growth, public transportation, utilities, public safety (police/fire)