What is your name? *
Jodi Merriday
What is your age? *
50
What is your occupation? *
Executive – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
What is your city of residence? *
Atlanta
How many years in public service? *
36
List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *
The Southwest Atlanta Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Magnolia Chapter of The Links, Inc., N.A.A.C.P., Southern Poverty Law Center, League of Women Voters, Democratic Party of Georgia
Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *
www.jodimerriday.com {Facebook Jodi-Merriday; twitter and instagram @jodimerriday}
What is the position you are running for? *
Atlanta City Council Post 3 At Large
Why are you running for office? *
To promote public safety and criminal justice reform, support APS, revitalize small businesses, improve roads and transit, fund and build affordable housing, increase services to seniors, and protect the environment. I will also uplift those in need and support the extension of housing and wrap around services to the unsheltered.
In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *
I bring 30 years of leadership and professional experience to city hall. I will lend my expertise, skills, and education toward being a thoughtful, collaborative, and dedicated servant. Further, I possess the educational background and visionary insight to bridge the city through the pandemic, escalating crime, and scaling services to growth.
Why are you the best candidate for this position? *
I have served various sectors of the community, provided solutions that prepare people and organizations to work together, and facilitated organizational transformation for 100+ institutions.
What do you think your constituents need the most? *
Safe and secure communities, livable wages, affordable housing, equity, and leadership that prioritizes Integrity and excellent service delivery by every municipal department.
What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *
Ensure that the Atlanta Workforce Development Department has a youth employment and entrepreneurship program for APS high-school students.
What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *
Funding public safety responders, zoning to increase affordable housing & a moratorium to protect seniors from being taxed out of homes, decreasing utility costs through green initiatives.
If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *
Support recruiting public safety responders and funding diversion programming; Organize private and non-profit partners to fund housing assistance those unsheltered by the lifting of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums; Strengthen(pandemic) delivery of services by the city to constituents; Introduce legislation to protect seniors in legacy neighborhoods from being taxed out of their homes.
