This blog is third in a series from alumni about their experience in Scottsdale Leadership. Kimberly Crowther is a graduate of Class XXII and the Communications Director for the DC Ranch Community Council. Scottsdale Leadership is currently recruiting participants for Class 26. Visit scottsdaleleadership.org for details.
Name and Class: Kimberly Crowther Miller; Class 22
Current place of employment, title: DC Ranch Community Council, Communications Director
Community Involvement: Board Member: Workshops for Youth & Families; Scottsdale Leadership
What was your most memorable class day? Each Scottsdale Leadership class day was a new opportunity to become more educated on the real issues affecting our community. The discussion on population growth in Scottsdale during our Community Trusteeship day was particularly memorable to me. Prior to the class, I had never considered how many variables are at play when attempting to manage population growth in a city.
For example, many people support constructing taller residential buildings in Scottsdale to accommodate population growth. But another segment of the community opposes high-rise projects. Since Scottsdale is land-locked and one-third of the city is designated a preserve, new housing projects are limited if buildings can’t be built taller. Of course, the amount of available housing affects cost of living in Scottsdale. If housing in Scottsdale becomes limited and therefore more expensive, many people who want to live in the city are priced out of the market. This then leads one to consider what the socio-economic makeup of the population should be. It was thought-provoking discussions such as these that made my experience in Scottsdale Leadership so valuable.
What advice can you give to future Scottsdale Leadership participants? The best advice I can give to future Scottsdale Leadership participants is to come to each class with an open mind and the intention to participate. Embracing the activities and getting to know each of your classmates is what make the Scottsdale Leadership experience so rewarding.
The Scottsdale Leader 