Recognizing Mayor Karen Alexander

Floor Speech

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Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Karen Alexander of Salisbury, North Carolina, for her leadership to both the City of Salisbury and the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

For over a century, the North Carolina League of Municipalities has worked tirelessly to advance the interests of member cities and towns across the state. This past year, the League tasked Mayor Alexander with leading its 35-member Board of Directors as their President.

Public service and leadership are nothing new to Mayor Alexander. Ever since she was elected a Salisbury City Councilwoman in 2013, she has been a pervasive force in her hometown's municipal government. In her roles on the city council, Mayor Alexander has responsibly pursued revitalization efforts to prepare the historic town for future challenges while simultaneously leaning into its rich heritage. Her efforts to attract new businesses, restore downtown building facades, and incentivize urban revitalization have fostered a renaissance of local pride and community cohesion throughout the city. I personally have had the immense pleasure of working alongside Mayor Alexander. In witnessing her work, I have been impressed by her sharp mind, perceptive instincts, and enormous heart.

During her tenure as League President, Mayor Alexander has been instrumental in developing new and creative ways for the League to advocate for North Carolina's cities and towns. Under her direction during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the League has witnessed record-high event attendance thanks to Mayor Alexander's leadership in rolling out expanded online tools and webinars. Other contributions Mayor Alexander has made to the League are more tangible. As an architect by trade, Mayor Alexander was uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in rebuilding the League's office space. Following a devastating fire in 2017 that consumed their longtime office buildings in Raleigh, the League tapped Mayor Alexander to serve on their building committee. Under her guidance as President, plans are being set in motion to develop a new facility to ensure North Carolina's cities and towns have a permanent home for extraordinary advocacy.

Madam Speaker, please join me in thanking Mayor Karen Alexander for her generous spirit and invaluable management. Both the City of Salisbury and the North Carolina League of Municipalities have benefited immensely from her years of impactful service. I am sure they both will be blessed by the fruits of her leadership for years to come.

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