Building a City Where We All Belong

K.A. Simpson
Jun 14
2 min read

NKY Juneteenth Celebration, June 14, 2025 - Kareem Simpson receiving the event's Frederick Douglass Leadership Award

I’m honored to share some exciting news about my continued service to the City of Covington and the people who call it home. I have recently been appointed to serve on the City of Covington’s Housing Taskforce—a critical body that will shape the future of how and where we live. Even more, I’m proud to announce that I will also be co-chairing the City’s newly formed Recreation Commission, a bold and necessary collaboration between the City of Covington and the Covington Independent School District.

Both appointments reflect a broader vision I’ve long championed: one where our city grows with intention—centering people, equity, and inclusion in every decision we make.

As our communities grow and evolve, it is essential that we build cities where everyone—regardless of income—can afford to live, work, and thrive. Income-aligned housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. When we intentionally create housing options that reflect the full spectrum of our community’s income levels, we lay the foundation for a more equitable future.

Far too often, working families, young professionals, seniors on fixed incomes, and essential service providers are priced out of the neighborhoods they help sustain. Income-aligned housing ensures that the very people who power our communities—from educators and healthcare workers to small business owners and artists—can remain rooted where they belong. This isn’t simply an economic or housing issue. It’s a matter of justice and smart planning. By aligning housing with actual incomes, we promote stability, prevent displacement, and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our cities.

As a member of the Housing Taskforce, I am committed to inclusive development and forward-thinking solutions. When any new residential development proposal is brought before us, income alignment must be a central part of that conversation. It’s how we build stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate communities. And as co-chair of the Recreation Commission, I look forward to working closely with city leaders, school officials, and local residents and families to create engaging, safe, and accessible spaces where young people can play, seniors can gather, and everyone can thrive. Recreation is not an afterthought...it’s a key part of building a well-rounded, vibrant city.