Uncomfortable truth: even if there weren’t plywood on windows, downtown would not return to how it looked this time last year. Many restaurants are still doing take out only, bars remain closed, and most office workers have not returned due to COVID. (1/4) #ralpol

We get a downtown update at council meetings and there’s good news too: residential occupancy remains high, no major projects have been canceled, and many business are open; some have taken advantage of option to expand dining into sidewalk and street parking. (2/4) #ralpol

Blaming downtown struggles solely on protests is inaccurate and unhelpful. Property destruction earlier this summer shouldn’t have occurred. But protests are the voice of the unheard. Our city is very divided right now. Let’s work together to heal. I’m listening.(3/4) #ralpol

At our next Council Meeting, I am asking for work session on programs city funds for job development, housing, food so we can identify gaps and places to invest more resources. I’m also requesting public report on location of police precincts and reasons/data why. (4/4) #ralpol