Mayor Kelly Girtz Tackles the Pandemic’s Impact on the Economy, Youth
By Bryce Colgate
Kelly Girtz, current Athens-Clarke County mayor, speaks at the University of Georgia on Friday, March 18 at a news conference. Girtz works to improve the Athens economy and success of the youth population.
(Photo/Bryce Colgate)
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz advocates for the financial advantages COVID-19 created for the Athens workforce community.
At a news conference held at the University of Georgia,
Girtz tackles the impact COVID-19 had on the Athens
community. The government has come out stronger from
the virus with plans to continue helping small businesses
through new developments.
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Girtz is running for reelection on May 24 against Bennie Coleman III, Pearl Hall, Fred Moorman, Mykeisha Ross and Mara Zúñiga.
“I’m really not running as a opponent to a set of people. I’m running to continue to do great work as your mayor,” said Girtz when asked about his opponents.
When faced with the virus, Girtz had to adjust his plans to accommodate for and benefit this city. As a result of COVID-19, “Athens has financially had its most successful year ever,” said Girtz. In order to remain successful, Girtz explains how our local government has spending items that will benefit our community.
In the years to come with economic effects of COVID-19 that still linger, Girtz has plans to continue this success. He has allocated $4 million of American Rescue Plan Act dollars for workforce support. With this, he has plans to renovate the Costa Building into a business incubation space to provide further business support.
Funding from the act also includes $7 million to invest in youth development services over the next four years.
The Mayor's Youth Commission is designed to encourage youth engagement in the Athens-Clarke County area. Girtz wants to provide these kids with the opportunity to directly communicate with local government leadership. Preventative work Girtz is conducting consists of youth development services.
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Beginning this summer, Girtz and his team provided $500,000 of this investment to partners in the non-profit community. Their goal is to ensure that young residents have social educational opportunities. With the remaining $6.5 million, they partnered with the Clarke County School District and the non-profit community to strengthen the next generation's future.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the work that we have underway right now,” Girtz said. “And I can't wait to take the next steps with each and every one of you to make this an even better place to live and work and play.”
Why I Wrote The Story
Getting the opportunity to have this news conference with Kelly Girtz was a once in a lifetime experience. As the semester has gone on, we have learned about all different types of news stories. Never did I think our teachers would give us the chance to interview the mayor in such a private setting. I wanted to write this story as a way to highlight Girtz's plans for our community. Before and after writing this, I was able to learn more about his goals and write about the ones I found passion in.