Taylor on Foot builds community relationships
Taylor’s city government has taken to the streets to talk to residents about their questions and concerns.
A new program, Taylor on Foot, began its quarterly visits in May with District 3 and July 26, met with the community in District 4 for its second event.
In May, Taylor on Foot canvassed 50 homes, but last Saturday that number doubled to 100.
The volunteers walked door-to-door, talking to residents and documenting their views on the city. Feedback or a follow-up is later provided directly to the residents
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A lot of people want more diversity of restaurants and eating options.”
— Daniel Seguin, Taylor spokesman and posted on the city’s website taylortx.gov.
“The No. 1 thing is to build trust. That’s really the No. 1 goal as we’re going out,” said Daniel Seguin, city spokesman.
The five teams of five volunteers foster twoway communication between residents and municipal officials.
The teams are made up of city staff, council members, police officers and other organizations such as the Greater Taylor Foundation.
Taylor on Foot is not trying to provide immediate answers, although Seguin added sometimes staff or a council member are able to address an issue at the door.
“If people have other needs beyond cityrelated (matters), maybe they are struggling with food insecurity or making their house payments or rent or whatever it may be, (Greater Taylor Foundation) can help provide resources while they’re there,” Seguin said.
A tangible result from these door-to-door visits is the addition of speed limit signs on T.H. Johnson Drive with a new radar sign coming soon.
“When it comes to public safety, that’s a quick and easy (fix),” Seguin said.
If residents are worried about cars speeding down their streets or other safety-related issues, the city sends that information to the Police Department, and patrols are then increased or a radar trailer is deployed.
“We’ve also had a lot of feedback about what kind of growth people would like to see in Taylor. A lot of people want more diversity of restaurants and eating options,” Seguin said.
Greg Redden, newly elected District 1 councilman, attended Taylor on Foot for the first time last weekend.
“It’s getting out where people are and being present. That’s what the community needs to see – it’s leaders out and about talking to people about what matters to them most,” Redden said.
Redden said his team met with new and longtime Taylor residents, listening to what was on people’s minds. One resident was concerned with overgrown yards, another wanted more indoor activities available for children during the summer months.
One resident had pictures showing the Taylor on Foot team of his driveway flooding.
“Looking at that portion of the street, it’s higher than his driveway. Street and curb work needs to be done,” Redden said.
Overall, based on comments from the first two Taylor on Foot events, residents seem to appreciate the direction the city is taking.
“That part was really uplifting to hear,” Seguin said.
Until this program, social media has been the most common means of communication between neighbors and city government.
“And social media is loaded with negativity,” Seguin said.
However, Seguin acknowledged in District 1, which will be the next area Taylor on Foot visits, there is “some residual pain following the (Blueprint Data Centers). We’re ready for folks to continue to share their thoughts with us.”
The data center on East MLK Jr. Blvd. –– one of several new high-tech businesses coming to Taylor with the advent of Samsung Austin Semiconductor — raised the hackles of neighbors, who told City Council they worried about pollution and other ills.
Redden wanted his district to know he would be knocking on doors in October. He looks forward to having good conversations and good interactions.
As for the worries about Blueprint Data Centers, Redden noted that area has been an industrial site for the last 30 years.
“Samsung was controversial at first too. Many people were against it,” he said.
Also in October, the Taylor on Foot volunteers will wear matching T-shirts.
“We’ll have a cohesive look as we’re walking around so people will know who we are. It’s a little jarring at first when people open the door to five random strangers, including an officer in uniform, especially if the officer is the one that knocks on the door,” Seguin said.
For residents whose homes have not been canvassed, Seguin encouraged them to sign up and take their own surveys at taylortx.gov.
Under the “Residents” heading, individuals then need to click on “FlashVote Community Surveys.” At this site, the community can also view information about Taylor on Foot, upcoming events and feedback and action from past events.
Taylor on Foot volunteers gather for a photo before canvassing neighborhoods to survey residents. Photo courtesy of Taylor
