Season 3, Episode 4 - A Deep Dive into Local Community Efforts and Initiatives with Angela Greene

A Deep Dive into Local Community Efforts and Initiatives with Angela Greene

 

In this latest episode of Beyond the Dais, host Scott Anderson sat down with Angela Greene, a local business owner, military spouse, real estate agent, and board member of the Citizen Outreach Group (COG). Their engaging conversation shed light on the intricacies of the local real estate market, the objectives of the Citizen Outreach Group, and the upcoming Citizen College. Here's an in-depth look at their discussion, highlighting how these elements interplay to shape the community of El Paso County.

Real Estate in El Paso County: Angela Greene's journey as a real estate agent began in 2017 during an upturn in the real estate market. With eight years under her belt, Angela has navigated through economic fluctuations that have profoundly impacted the housing sector. According to Greene, the market saw a significant uptick until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to historically low-interest rates and an almost frenzy-like atmosphere where homes sold within hours. But as the high tide receded, the reality of spiking interest rates and prolonged market stagnation set in. 

"The people who qualified for a $500,000 house four years ago would have to have a $40,000 raise to afford that same price today," notes Greene, emphasizing the economic disparity affecting today's potential homeowners. Recent adjustments in mortgage rates have calmed the storm a bit, but the market remains unpredictable, marked by longer selling periods and the necessity for property improvements to strike a successful deal. 

Understanding the Citizen Outreach Group: Greene also delved into her role as a board member of the Citizen Outreach Group, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the county commissioners and local citizens. This role suits Greene's deeply ingrained sense of duty and community service, qualities honed through her years as a military spouse. She described the Citizen Outreach Group as an "ambassador program," focused on elucidating the functions and services provided by the local government. 

The Role of the Citizen Outreach Group: The COG, according to Greene, plays a crucial educational role, helping citizens understand the distinction between county, state, and federal responsibilities. This kind of enlightenment is vital for informed civic participation. "When the real estate market struggles, it impacts many local businesses," she explains, driving home the interconnectedness of local economics and effective governance. 

Bringing Governance Closer - Citizen College: One of the flagship initiatives spearheaded by the COG is Citizen College, a program designed to deepen residents' understanding of county services. Scheduled to run from October 21 through the 26th, this year's Citizen College features six comprehensive sessions that cover a broad range of governmental functions, from public health to parks and recreation. 

Greene is excited about managing the session at the Citizen Service Center, where attendees will learn about public health, human services, and tax assessments. For her, it's an enriching experience to engage with local governance from the inside out. "We're giving people a real, behind-the-scenes look at how their taxes are assessed, how elections are managed, and what goes on within our public safety operations," says Greene. 

Navigating Through the Six Sessions 

Session 1: Local County Government Kicking off the program is an overview of the county’s governmental structure, offering a wide lens on the various departments and their roles within the community. 

Session 2: Public Works and Emergency Management This session provides insights into the infrastructure and emergency services that keep El Paso County functioning smoothly, especially critical in times of crisis. 

Session 3: Public Health and Human Services From the health department to workforce services, this session explores the multitude of ways the county supports its residents' well-being. 

Session 4: Judicial Affairs Held at the courthouse, this session demystifies the judicial process and jury duties, providing a firsthand look into the justice system. 

Session 5: Public Safety and Criminal Justice A tour of the county jail and morgue will offer sobering insights into the public safety mechanisms in place, highlighting efforts to maintain law and order. 

Session 6: Parks and Recreation A fittingly relaxed conclusion to the program, this session introduces residents to the various recreational opportunities the county offers, emphasizing quality of life and community engagement. 

How to Get Involved: Interested citizens can register for any or all of these sessions through the county’s website. Requirements include a minimum age of 18 for select sessions, particularly those that involve sensitive tours like the county jail. More information and registration details can be found at www.elpasoco.com/citizencollege. 

A Call to Community Engagement:  As Angela Greene succinctly put it, "The more we get involved, the better we can help and get to know others too." Citizen College and the broader efforts of the Citizen Outreach Group serve as vital conduits for fostering informed and engaged communities. By peeling back the layers of local governance and economic realities, initiatives like these equip residents with the knowledge to advocate for themselves and their neighbors more effectively.

For more insightful discussions and local stories, don’t forget to tune into Beyond the Dais, available on Podbean and other popular podcast platforms.