Metro Clerk

Resolution RS2020-251

A resolution recognizing the retirement of Kay Bowers and her years of service as Executive Director of New Level Community Development Corporation.

WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, New Level Community Development Corporation’s long time and first Executive Director, Kay Bowers, retired after nearly 14 years of service; and

WHEREAS, as Executive Director, Kay Bowers worked to build a strong business foundation for the organization, positioning it for significant growth and serving more people in need of affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, New Level CDC was founded in 2003 through the efforts of Mt. Zion Baptist Church leadership to bring resources, tools, and knowledge together to help provide housing and financial stability to individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, under Bowers’ leadership, New Level CDC expanded to provide 23 properties with affordable rents for Nashville residents, and educated and counseled almost 2,000 families on housing, home buying, credit building and money management; and

WHEREAS, Kay Bowers leveraged New Level CDC’s capacity with local, state, and federal grant programs to develop affordable homes for critical community members such as teachers, health care providers, and first responders; and

WHEREAS, by establishing a model for partnerships with private developers, Bowers provided affordable home ownership possibilities in a mixed-income community close to people’s jobs; and

WHEREAS, over the past year, a strategic plan was completed that aims to double New Level CDC’s rental property portfolio, thereby increasing financial sustainability and growing partnerships that will enable the organization to further its impact in the community; and

WHEREAS, this year, New Level CDC will begin work on 51 affordable townhomes for families to purchase in Davidson County through a public-private partnership; and

WHEREAS, New Level CDC’s Board Chair Trevor Burbank said Kay’s experience and knowledge has been a crucial asset in growing New Level, and described her as “an influential voice in the community for the necessity of safe, fit, and affordable housing in order for Nashville’s children, workers, and families to thrive”; and

WHEREAS, Kay Bowers’ compassion and tenacity in finding ways to get housing projects done is unparalleled, and will be deeply missed; and

WHEREAS, Kay Bowers is a founding board member of the Tennessee Affordable Housing Coalition and helped create the Housing Counselors and Educators of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, she is also a member of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency’s board, serves on Fifth Third Bank’s National Community Advisory Board, and is a part of NOAH’s affordable housing task force steering committee; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Kay Bowers for her many years of service at New Level CDC, and thanks her for her work to further affordable housing accessibility in the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the retirement of Kay Bowers and her years of service as Executive Director of New Level Community Development Corporation.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.