City Manager David Birchim announced the creation of the Community Services Department and promoted the city’s Neighborhood Services and CRA Manager, Jaime D. Perkins as the Director.
The department was created to consolidate many vital divisions currently operating under the direct supervision of city administration. “Streamlining these critical community services into a singular department with the oversight of a director serves our residents more effectively,” City Manager David Birchim commented. “Jaime already has an established relationship with the residents in our neighborhoods and our CRAs, so this was a natural next step to consolidate into a singular department.”
The divisions included in the Community Services Department are Special Events, Homeless Day Center operations, and Mobility which is inclusive of parking enforcement and the Historic Downtown Parking Garage; in addition to Perkins already overseeing Neighborhood Services and the Community Redevelopment Agency.
When asked about the promotion and increased responsibilities, Perkins responded, “I am elated to take on the new and exciting role of Community Services Director. These divisions and their functions are so important to our residents. I’m honored and humbled by our City Manager’s trust in me to take this on.” Perkins also added, “I look forward to working more closely with my colleagues at the city and with our residents and stakeholders on the important projects and initiatives that make our city so special.”
Perkins was appointed as Manager of the then-newly created Neighborhood Services and CRA Administration Division following organizational changes in 2023 when Birchim was appointed City Manager.
Perkins obtained her Master of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2014. Since joining the city, Perkins has acquired over $1 million dollars in grant funding for the Institutional Rehabilitation Grant Program as well as capital improvement projects. She revised the Lincolnville Community Redevelopment Area (LCRA) residential home repair program, “Fix-it-Up”. This program awards qualified applicants with up to $100k in grant funding for health and safety repairs to their home. She is also responsible for the re-implementation of the City’s Neighborhood Grant Program, where qualified organizations may be awarded up to $3000 for small scale community projects and initiatives.
Most recently, Perkins led the charge in establishing the City’s third Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), West City Community Redevelopment Area (WCCRA). Perkins worked closely with staff, residents, and consultants to complete the Finding of Necessity (FON), a study required to determine if an area meets the state’s conditions to be established as a CRA. She also completed the Community Redevelopment Plan, which is the document utilized to initiate revitalization efforts in the special district.
Media inquiries may be directed to Melissa Wissel, Communications Director, at 904.293.3307 or via email at mwissel@citystaug.com.