Jim Wehner’s Post

My vision for Winston-Salem is to make our best moments this moment, not in the past. We can unleash explosive growth in this city through some key strategic initiatives; — Elect a new mayor and recruit proactive economic developers that are laser focused on creating jobs and boosting economic mobility. — Reinvigorate downtown by restructuring the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership with fresh leadership, creating new jobs in the CBD, reducing crime, and better supporting unhoused residents. — Boost social capital by welcoming more diverse voices to community conversations. — Refocus on supporting and growing small businesses, which are the backbone of this city. — Improve access to existing county, city, and community college programs. — Invest in long term sustainable infrastructure; schools, airport, roads, and public transit. — Boost retention of talented young professionals graduating from nearby universities. We do this by delivering an amenities package and quality of life that’s on par with our neighbors in Raleigh and Charlotte. Will I have your support? #LOCKEDIN

As many organizations are shrinking their internal and external commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I recently experienced an expression of equity relative to TIME and REST through my organization, United Way for Southeastern Michigan I, along with my colleagues, are tackling daily the fierce bifurcated challenge of meeting the community basic needs and deconstructing the systems that engineer those same needs. For some, statements like this create a game of finger pointing and rash judgments about how people find themselves in a position to need help. However, the data reported in the 2023 Alice Report produced by the Michigan Association of United Ways and United for ALICE indicates that nearly 40% of Michigan residents lack the resources to meet their basic needs. Clearly, this plight is the result of several systemic issues, and not just the result of lethargy or irresponsible choices. To that end, this work, at times, can prove itself to be very stressful and heavy for the team. I am very thankful for leadership that recognizes that TIME TO REST is an important aspect of the equitable change that can lead to increased productivity. Over the holidays, nearly 200 team members were able to invest uninterrupted time with their loved ones because of the PAUSE days that we received. Many are returning to work this week ready to do the critical work that drives impact within our communities. #rest #diversity #equity #inclusion #leadership #family

During the final week of the Housing Partnership Network's Affordable Housing Next Gen Talent Academy, powered by Project Destined, we participated in a speed networking session with affordable housing leaders Rob Wilkins from Affirmed Housing Group and Kathleen Day from The Community Preservation Corporation of Affordable Housing. During the session, we had the opportunity to learn more about the panelists’ career paths, current roles, and day-to-day responsibilities. I was particularly excited about the Speed Networking Session of the program. One of the most impactful lessons I learned was the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving field of affordable housing. Key insights that stood out to me included the emphasis on community engagement and sustainable development practices. An aspect of the session that resonated deeply with me was hearing about the panelists’ real-world challenges and successes, which provided a realistic perspective on what to expect in this field. Reflecting on the program as a whole, I am struck by how the lessons learned have significantly influenced my career path. The insights from the panelists highlighted the critical role of collaboration and innovative thinking in property management. One aspect of the program that resonated with me was the focus on leadership development and the encouragement to pursue continuous learning and growth in our professional journeys.

Warrior to Love: Show-Up I recently had an inspiring meeting with Councilman Michael Boylan from Jacksonville City Council District 6. It reminded me of the power of community engagement and the importance of taking action to drive change. Years ago, I considered a political career, but my wife and I decided it wasn't the right path for us. Instead, I focused on connecting with our local representatives, believing that true change starts with us. During our conversation, we discussed the book "A Quiet Revolution," which explores the history of Jacksonville's consolidation. Jacksonville Historical Society Both Councilman Boylan and I share a passion for history and a vision for progress in our city. We reflected on the challenges and the numerous failed attempts to unite and advance Jacksonville over the years. One of the biggest questions remains: how do you unite a community divided in the largest city by land mass in the USA? While I am still working on the answer, I know that getting involved and building relationships is a significant step forward. As a private citizen, I've had the privilege of connecting with some of the best professionals and actively participating in our community. My passion lies in solving problems and fostering resilience in relationships. Nothing happens unless you make it happen. It takes everyone to participate in creating and sustaining livable communities. Everything starts with you! Let's take action, show up, and work together to make City of Jacksonville the best place to live on earth. #CommunityEngagement #LocalLeadership #Jacksonville #WarriorToLove #ShowUp #Inspiration #TakeAction

In a recent podcast appearance on Future Hindsight, I was asked to define the public square in light of my campaign calling community leaders and active citizens to reclaim the public square and embrace our capacity as builders and doers. Here's what I said. The public square is where we create our shared lives together. The public square is where we talk to one another, where we argue and debate with one another, where we try to sort things out together. And where, frankly, we're going to disagree on a lot of stuff. But it is where we try to figure out what we can agree on so that we can get moving and create a better life for people. For me, the public square is a noisy place, a messy place, a place filled with innovation and creativity, uncertainty and ambiguity. The public square needs us. Each of us. All of us. So that we can make a go of it as a society together. https://lnkd.in/g7T772Ab

This year's #LearningDisabilityWeek theme is 'Do You See Me?' which is all about being seen, heard and valued. We've spoken to Keith, who is supported by one of our community hubs and is an active member of the Salford Listening to People forum. In our latest blog, he tells us what it means to him to be seen, heard and valued and how it's made his life better through the years : https://lnkd.in/edEMnUGj

School leaders, are you facing the challenge of choosing the right lettings provider to manage your school facilities? Look no further! 🌟 Check out our latest article on 'How to choose a lettings provider' – a comprehensive guide that delves into key considerations to help you make an informed decision. Key Points We Explore: 💼 Financial Transparency 🖥️ Tech Platform for Booking Management 🌈 Diverse Range of Community Bookers 📈 Sales and Marketing Team 🤝 Dedicated Onboarding Manager 🌐 Industry Experience 👥 Staffing Coverage 🌟 Company Reviews 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eednfcbk Feel free to comment or reach out for more information. We're here to help you make the best choice for your school! 🚀 #SchoolSpace #CommunityEngagement #SchoolFacilities #LettingsProvider #EducationLeadership #SchoolBusinessManagers #SchoolTender

"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." — Jim Rohn, entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Who is Jim Rohn? => https://shorturl.at/gpqyW #quote #leadership A story to inspire: In the lively town, Elena, a leader known for her unique blend of qualities, drew inspiration from Jim Rohn's wisdom: "The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully." Elena spearheaded a community project to revitalize a neglected park, showcasing unwavering strength in mobilizing volunteers. She treated everyone with respect and kindness, fostering collaboration. In one-on-one conversations with key volunteers, Elena understood their strengths, building trust and cooperation. Larger community gatherings saw her addressing concerns empathetically, ensuring everyone's voice was valued. Facing challenges with boldness, she inspired the team to overcome obstacles, fostering a vibrant community space. Guided by Rohn's wisdom, Elena demonstrated thoughtfulness through careful planning. One-on-one discussions with stakeholders enriched decision-making. Her humility encouraged open communication, and she confidently stood for principles. Individual conversations allowed her to address concerns and build trust. In moments of success, Elena exhibited pride without arrogance. Celebrating victories with grace, she maintained inclusivity. One-to-many conversations during community celebrations expressed gratitude and shared achievements with the town. Elena's leadership extended to her sense of humor, using it to navigate challenges. Her laughter resonated, creating an environment where everyone felt valued. Informal one-to-one conversations built personal connections, fostering camaraderie. As the park neared completion, Elena's impact was undeniable. The once-neglected space became a symbol of community collaboration. Harmonyville flourished not just from the park makeover, but because Elena had inspired a culture of leadership, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Most pedestrian deaths in urban areas happen on state-owned arterial roads. Smart Growth America’s Complete Streets Leadership Academies helped state DOTs work with 10 cities across the United States to overcome unique barriers and create new opportunities to upend the deadly status quo. Our new report tells the stories of participating communities from Alaska, California, Connecticut, and Tennessee that worked with state DOTs to plan and implement temporary safety demonstration projects (or quick builds) on state-owned roads. Spend time with the case studies and learn more about the valuable insights gained through the program ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eMAncufP

In the face of systemic oppression and discrimination, Dr. King's words and actions remind us that we are interconnected and bound by a shared destiny. As he eloquently stated, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." One area where Dr. King's message resonates deeply today with our team and mission at NEST is housing. Housing is a basic human right and a critical determinant of our health, education, economic opportunities, and social connections. Yet, far too many individuals, particularly people of color, continue to face barriers to safe, decent, and affordable housing. At NEST, we are steadfast in our commitment to rectifying the impacts of redlining and fostering equitable housing opportunities for all. We advocate for policies and push programs promoting fair housing and combating discrimination. On this significant day, let us honor Dr. King's vision of a beloved community where everyone has a place to call home. We invite you to join us in pursuit of ending housing insecurity in Connecticut. It starts with one person, one resident, one leader. Just as Dr. King exemplified leadership through collective action, we encourage you to explore the NEST Resident Leadership Training (RLT) program. This program empowers individuals like yourself to harness their collective power for the greater good. https://lnkd.in/eFJUj8BR Together, we can transform Dr. King's dream into a tangible reality.