I grew up in Towson, Maryland, but my dad’s business was in York, and that is where I had my first “paying” summer job. I went to college and law school in Massachusetts and practiced law there as well. Following my dad’s death in 2015, I found myself again in York, in part because of his businesses and in part because of the foundation that he started to support York College’s chemistry and engineering departments. It was through this work that I had the opportunity to meet President Gunter-Smith and eventually serve the College as a member of the Board of Trustees. I quickly fell in love with the college, its mission, and the genuinely caring environment that seemed to permeate the campus, from students to administration to faculty. I was particularly intrigued by what I heard about “project-based learning.”

I was soon visiting York almost monthly and began thinking about buying a small house in the city. To my amazement, some houses were on the market for $29,000; however, I soon learned that $29,000 really did not buy a roof over your head. One home I saw did not have a functioning kitchen and had a roof that was caved in causing the floor to collapse. For the next few weeks, I was haunted by the thought of how someone can have a chance at life when growing up without a safe and secure home.

I do not know all the causes of urban decline and decay, nor what complex set of solutions may be needed to turn the trajectory for York to a new and more promising future. But, I think engaging the York College Community in better understanding the City’s history, neighborhoods, and general decline will provide a framework to coordinate the collaboration between neighborhoods, educators, health care providers, businesses, government offices and agencies, for-profit and nonprofit organization, for a healthier, more prosperous, and more equitable city and future. It is my hope that the York College Urban Collaborative will be a vehicle to help power that future.