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. Additionally, the council "fosters peer-learning and networking opportunities for elected municipal leaders; stimulates effective leadership on behalf of children, youth and families; and elevates the voices of city and youth leaders in broader discussions of the needs of youth, children and families."
“Improving the lives of young people is the smartest and most strategic investment any city can make,” says Mayor Berke.
“In Chattanooga, we have worked hard in the last five years to invest in early learning, including helping families through our Baby University program. We’ve collaborated with the Chattanooga Police Department and other partners to give young people support and push them in a positive direction. I look forward to collaborating with other members of the Council on Youth, Education and Families on new initiatives and ideas that will let us help even more children.”
NLC President and Little Rock, Ar. Mayor Mark Stodola made the leadership appointments for the council. The other council co-chair for 2018 is East Point, Ga. Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham.
“Since his first days in office, Mayor Berke has advanced innovative strategies for getting results and improving outcomes for children and families in Chattanooga,” said Clifford M. Johnson, executive director of NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education and Families. “We are delighted to have the benefit of his experience and insights in guiding our national work, and look 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 on Youth, Education and Families are Tacoma, Wa. Mayor Victoria Woodards and Columbia, SC Councilmember Tameika Isaac Devine.