Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke has been appointed co-chair of the National League of Cities 2018 Council on Youth, Education and Families. This council guides and oversees the work of the Institute for Youth, Education and Families.
“Improving the lives of young people is the smartest and most strategic investment any city can make,” Berke says. “In Chattanooga, we have worked hard to invest in early learning, including helping families through our Baby University program.
“We’ve also collaborated with the Chattanooga Police Department and other partners to give young people support and push them in a positive direction. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the other members of the council on new initiatives and ideas that will let us help even more children.”
NLC President and Little Rock, Arkansas Mayor Mark Stodola made the leadership appointments for the council. The other council co-chair for 2018 is East Point, Georgia Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham.
“Since his first days in office, Mayor Berke has advanced innovative strategies for improving outcomes for children and families in Chattanooga,” says Clifford Johnson, executive director of the Institute for Youth, Education and Families. “We’re delighted to have the benefit of his experience and insights in guiding our national work, and are looking forward to sharing examples of creativity and progress under his leadership in Chattanooga with city leaders across the nation.”
Serving as this year’s vice chairs of the council are Tacoma, Washington Mayor Victoria Woodards and Columbia, South Carolina Councilmember Tameika Isaac Devine.
Information: www.nlc.org/membership/groups-networks
Source: Office of the Mayor