Allen's Values and Identity

I love the sense of community, the values, and how safe I feel here. I also want to say thank you to our first responders for everything they do to protect and serve our community. This year I enjoy the art fair and the way we come together to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary are truly special. The opportunity for artists to share their work and for the community to experience and enjoy it is amazing.

I think Allen has established itself as doing its own thing and not chasing after the amenities of the larger surrounding cities. The traditional Allen identity is a modern city with a small-town feel that is gradually rather than rapidly adapting as times change. Whether we actually have a small-town feel is up for debate.

A place where every child has the opportunity to grow and develop in a highly rated school system. A place where there are many opportunities to share and give back whether through public service or volunteer opportunities. Today perhaps less inviting to long time Allenites, many of whom have chosen to move away for a slower pace.

Allen is a very unique community. I believe that many leaders over time were visionaries and deeply cared about Allen and what it would become over time. They were strategic in what they did. Although results were not always quick, or immediate, they remained committed to helping Allen become an outstanding community, unique among all of the cities that surround us. Although most people do not know, or would guess, those leaders were concerned about all citizens in our community. Although most people do not know, or would guess, those leaders were truly concerned about all citizens in our community, and they wanted to address their needs and concerns. Just look at the outstanding Quality of Life that exists in Allen and the many not for profit organizations and other groups committed to helping those who are in need. Allen has many people who like to help others in need. We are not perfect, but we are working at it!

One of the qualities that feels most central to Allen today is its sense of momentum and stability. It is a place where people come to build careers, raise families, start businesses and create a future for themselves. Even with its growth, there is still a strong sense of community pride and investment in the city’s shared spaces and experiences. I think some of Allen’s best moments happen in places that bring people together naturally, whether that is parks, trails, or local events. Those experiences help create a sense of connection between people from different backgrounds and stages of life and contribute to the feeling that Allen is not just growing, but growing together.

Unfortunately, I feel Allen is bending more towards the higher income bracket and becoming exclusive to the kind of people that made Allen a great place to live. As I stated before, what attracted me to Allen is the "main street USA" feel it had. I've known many great, multi-generational residents of Allen that were instrumental in what shaped this city and made it the place to be. I think Allen is becoming more political as left-bending influencers have seen Allen as a place to conquer. That tears the community apart and, in my opinion, destroys what made Allen great in the first place. Most central to Allen, to me, seems to be how can Allen bring more money into the city - more so than how can we take care of and keep the residents that are already here. The conundrum is that we need more money to take care of the people who are here :)