This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the many people who choose to volunteer their time and energy throughout our community. Volunteers selflessly give their time and expertise to help, comfort, or simply be present for community needs. They are our coaches, provide food to those in need, help in our schools, are leading our Homeowner Associations - and so much more! Their dedication is the reason we are the premier community that is built for business and designed for living.

I want to give special recognition to our City of Meridian volunteers during this week when we celebrate volunteers, recognize their impact, and encourage volunteerism in our community. When residents enter City Hall they are met by our volunteers and their smiling faces, greeting each person and assisting residents to various departments and resources. They assist our first responders in operations and fleet management completing projects and tasks that would normally take our first responders off the roads. We also have volunteers who walk Meridian’s parks to ensure we have extra eyes and ears across our open spaces, keeping parks tidy and being present with a smile for residents.

We have a variety of volunteer Commissions and Committees, all assisting the City in its information gathering and deliberative processes, several of which are also delegated with decision-making authority. These commissions and committees provide essential feedback to City Council, City Departments, and myself on a wide array of community topics, and the efforts provided by these volunteers is also greatly appreciated.

Although these are just some of the ways our volunteers impact the City, I hope you see the incredible work and generosity that comes from these service-oriented community members. It speaks to the very culture of Meridian, as we strive to assist residents through the ‘Meridian Way,’ in everything we do. This is through our C.A.R.E. values: Customer Service, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. During this past year, we had 155 volunteers dedicate over 7,250 hours to the City. Now this is something to honor. If you would like to be part of this amazing group and serve, you can take a look at the many opportunities HERE.

As you go about your week, take a look around and say thank you to the people who are quietly helping. I think you will be surprised about the work that is occurring by so many in all parts of our community. Take a moment and tell them thank you and how much they are appreciated for their time and talents.