Community Initiatives
Mayor Marks enthusiastically serves the community through a variety of community outreach programs. Use the links below to learn more about each program, including how you can get involved!
Tallahassee: A City That Reads
"There are few things more important to teach children than the love of reading. In today's society of high tech, fast paced living it would be easy to take for granted the basic necessity and pure joy associated with reading. As parents, grandparents or just good community citizens it is vital for all of us to do all we can to encourage kids to read and to help them create a lifetime love affair with books."
With the assistance of the Leon County Schools and in complement to the Governor's Just Read Florida program, each month a selection of books will be chosen for parents and children to enjoy together. The goal of the program is simple: to foster and develop a love for reading and encourage daily reading by citizens of all ages. Come join the fun and get reading with our monthly book list!
The Big Bend Area Taskforce to End Chronic Homelessness
In December 2004, Mayor John Marks launched a taskforce to recommend solutions to overcome local systematic factors that can contribute to chronic homelessness.
The Big Bend Area Taskforce to End Chronic Homelessness will confront issues like affordable housing, health care and living wages; it also will address the concerns of people experiencing chronic homelessness including mental health and substance abuse issues.
The taskforce's agenda is part of a national movement to target issues that contribute to chronic homelessness. Special work groups throughout the U.S. now are working toward the goal of developing plans to end chronic homelessness within 10 years. Read up on some facts about local homelessness, and contact our office for more information on this taskforce.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are hundreds of opportunities for Tallahassee citizens to get more involved in their local community. One way to be a voice for the community is to apply for a position on a Citizen Advisory Board/Committee.
Citizen Advisory Boards serve as the eyes and ears for many areas of city policy making. During regular meetings, they research and discuss important issues in their area of interest and report back to the City Departments, Mayor and City Commission.
If interested in making a difference in this way, visit our Citizen Advisory Board page for more information and a downloadable application.