Newsletter — October 2020
Good morning friends, and happy Election Day -
I want to start off this monthly newsletter in remembrance of an incredibly impactful woman in Williamsburg, one who recently passed onto peace. It only seems fitting today, on Election Day, to remember the empowering force that was Esterine Moyler. We have her to thank for our area’s high levels of civic engagement. With my mind, and I imagine yours, wrapped around the Presidential race today… it is grounding to think of the immense benefit local organizers like Esterine contribute to our democracy.
On that local note, October was a busy month for the City Council. We saw historic events happen, developments begin to take shape, and ended with our GIO (Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes) Retreat to discuss the City’s priorities over the next two years. To go into greater depth…
- Pictured above is our signing of Midtown Row’s “final beam.” This was a fun, ceremonial event to celebrate the good revitalizing our City’s center will bring. I’m thrilled to see tenants move into the space in May of 2021 and restaurants/shops begin to occupy first floor locations even sooner!
- On October 3rd, the City issued a historic proclamation in support of “Heal Williamsburg, Heal the Nation” Day, organized by Williamsburg Action. This event brought together leaders from our community, across faith, education, activism focuses, to convene on DoG Street to address local racial equality. I spoke on behalf of the City in a video here.
- Similar to the above, but as coverage of an event from September, a Flat Hat article was recently released around the Public Discourse Initiative’s discussion around reconciliation. The PDI is an organization of law students encouraging topical conversations.
- William & Mary’s “Greater City” recently hosted their annual panel, named “People not Problems: A Panel on Poverty.” As a former member of GC, it was especially nice to join the group again as a panelist this time. Truthfully, it was my mission to simply report on the fantastic work of City staff that evening. Our Human Services department has worked nothing short of valiantly in these past few months and they were well due for praise, but we also went into detail about CARES Act funding and more. I was joined too by COFM VP Dorsey Smith, Village Initiative Founder Jackie Williams, Coming to the Table Chair Laura Hill, W&M Econ Professor Peter McHenry, and moderator Fred Liggin of 3E Restoration.
- Finally, I am excited for ideas that emerged from our GIO Retreat, with some covered in the DailyPress here. These discussions will be ongoing, so nothing conclusive to report yet, but I thank everyone who filled out the GIO Survey to voice their opinion on the direction we are headed in. You were heard and action will come of it.
I’d be remiss without closing on a broader note. I know these updates are strictly local in nature. With today being the culmination of one of the most raucous campaigns in Presidential history, even still in the ongoing public health crisis, I hope you will find time to breathe. Upon posting this, I am going to get away from the screens for a bit to enjoy the freshly cold air.
No matter the electoral outcome, we live in a beautiful City, both restored to its historic preeminence and growing to meet the times. This I find reassuring, the endless beauty of Virginia’s Colonial Capital.
With gratitude,
Caleb
**this Newsletter is mine alone and does not represent the input of the entire City Council
