On Friday, Dec. 18, the Savannah City Council passed a balanced 2021 budget with six policy priority areas.
The six policy priority areas included in the 2021 budget are:
- Poverty, especially childhood poverty
- Income inequality
- Violent crimes, including homicides and gun offenses
- Affordable housing
- Blight eradication
- Research, measurement and citizen engagement
Mayor Van Johnson reflects on the goals of the 2021 budget like improving public safety and housing affordability, and reducing poverty.
Alderwoman At-Large Post 1 Kesha Gibson-Carter is focused on social service priorities in the approved 2021 budget focusing.
Alderwoman At-Large Post 2 Alicia Miller Blakely reflects on the goals of the 2021 budget and the focus on parks, recreation facilities and poverty initiatives.
District 1 Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier reflects on the passage of the 2021 budget and the emphasis on poverty reduction, wealth building and affordable housing.
District 2 Alderman Detric Leggett emphasizes Waters Avenue revitalization and flood mitigation as two priorities for his district in the approved 2021 budget.
District 3 Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan says providing housing for the homeless as a main priority she looks forward to tackling in the 2021 budget.
District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo highlights the Casey Canal South project as a 2021 budget priority he's looking forward to tackling. The project alleviate flooding near Columbus Drive and Habersham Street specifically, but well beyond that are as well.
District 5 Alderwoman Dr. Estella Shabazz emphasizes poverty reduction, affordable housing, public safety and social services as priorities she's excited to focus on in 2021.
District 6 Alderman Kurtis Purtee recognizes the infrastructure the 2021 budget will create in the 6th district.
The city will be working in 2021 to address these focus areas through new and existing programs and partnerships. The city will highlight these initiatives throughout the year.
You can find additional details and information at savannahga.gov/budget.