We at the Johnson City Housing Authority have but one simple goal: To Be The Best. So if we are to be the best housing authority, then we must have the best Physical Services Department, right? Can we make that claim? Not yet, but we are getting mighty close.
What about the Authority as a whole? Just in the last few years, I think that anyone familiar with the Authority would agree that we, as an organization, have made great strides to get to where we are today. How did it happen? It happened because of people. First and foremost, it happened because of great leadership, our Board of Commissioners and especially our Executive Director. Secondly, the leadership allowed the department directors the ability to direct, entrusting them with the task of developing efficient mini-organizations for the purpose of accomplishing the Authority’s mission, each in their own way.
It happened because of devoted employees. It would take two pages to say what I want to say here, but I can tell you with confidence that we could not have reached this level of success without the dedication from all employees. It happened because of residents. Once our residents began to take pride in their surroundings and the community, the positive cycle was established, and it continues to grow today.
Just what have we accomplished? Many things come to mind. To name a few, how about a state-of-the-art daycare center, a computerized community education center, an athletic club, a youth sports program, new administrative offices, a new physical plant, millions of dollars in modernization to our buildings and grounds, two departments created specifically to address community safety and resident services, and joint ventures and collaborations with many organizations throughout the area.
These are all great things, but the single most impressive accomplishment I have noticed is very simple. The word “projects” has been eliminated from our vocabulary. When you intentionally cease to use a word, it will finally go away, and the cessation of that single word has gone a long way in breaking down socioeconomic stereotypes in this community. I am proud to say that you will find no “projects” here.
In closing, I would like to take this time to share a few messages. To our residents – The Department of Physical Services is devoted to providing you with the best buildings, grounds, and services that our resources will allow. All we ask in return is your cooperation and assistance as we strive to be the best. To our contemporaries in this business – In Johnson City, we will continue to establish new standards of excellence for housing authorities. To the public at large – You can be proud of how we represent your community. We will continue to break the mold, break new ground, and open new doors. You won’t find commitments like these in the “projects,” but you will find them at the Johnson City Housing Authority.
Sincerely,
Jr McNeese, Director, Property Operations Southside
Adam Warren, Director, Property Operations Northside