ADC & COVID-19

Russell Hairston, ADC Executive Director

Like other businesses and organizations across the country, the Avondale Development Corporation is adjusting to the new normal that is COVID-19. And like everyone else, we are constantly looking at options for keeping staff safe while serving our neighborhood and maintaining our forward momentum.

The Avondale Development Corporation is being innovative and flexible in helping address the needs of Avondale residents and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ADC in conjunction with the Avondale Community Council and Avondale Community Leaders towards determining Avondale Needs during COVID-19. We have established a weekly zoom call meeting to address the needs of seniors and youth, along with establishing partnerships to address this health pandemic. Our focus to date has been on the need for food and safety along with neighborhood communication on the latest COVID-19 updates and impact upon Avondale.

The long-term impacts of this pandemic are more difficult to determine. We were aiming for a community event to celebrate the completion and (unanimous) City approval of the Quality of Life plan, but that celebration is now on indefinite hold. But QOL is not, as we are already beginning implementation of its various tactics.

Feet in the Street – our major yearly fundraiser – has been reimagined as “Avondale Day”, with a broader group of partners and expanded activities. We have set a tentative date for August but are actively considering pushing that back to September or October.

Resident engagement and communications are substantial parts of the ADC portfolio. We continue to be very active in leveraging our communications assets – from social media postings to resident direct mail. Engagement is more challenging, given that it focuses on one-on-one contact and a variety of events throughout the year. Both are greatly impacted by the COVID-19 health guidelines.

We remain excited about the future of Avondale and are working hard – albeit differently – to make it a reality. Thank you for your continued support of ADC and of the Avondale residents and businesses.