Working to ensure I can be an advocate for District 2, provide better economic development opportunities, and adequately distribute resources to our community, because TOGETHER...WE WIN!!! District 2 includes most of Baker, Alsen, Scotlandville, Beechwood, Brownsfield, and north of Hooper Road to the Comite River. A native of Baton Rouge, Chauna graduated from Southern University Lab High School a
nd received her Bachelor of Science degree at Southern University in Computer Science, further graduating from Southern University Graduate School with a Master’s degree in Education, Leadership and Counseling. She is employed with East Baton Rouge School System. While rooted in a consistent tradition of empowering the underserved, Chauna has crafted a vision for Metro District 2 that focuses on equitable funding for blight elimination, infrastructure, and new housing construction. Creating economic opportunities for her constituent base whose demographics are continually expanding is a priority. She has likewise enhanced her district by increasing commercial development, experiencing a reduction in crime, and continuously advocating for healthcare access opportunities. Newman Community Center (JJNCC) Advisory Board, whose dedicated support of community center staff has led to enhanced services and established the center as "A Place for All". Under her leadership, JJNCC has received increased City-Parish funding for building and grounds upgrades. The center has also been awarded several grants; The KaBOOM! in the amount $15,000 towards a “Community Playground Build” Project, an annual ExxonMobil Grant $2500, and just recently, the Capital Area United Way grant in the amount of $30,000 to operate the JJNCC TeenWorkPrepBR. Chauna has lead efforts to increase revenues and a JJNCC Capital Campaign, proceeds are dedicated to increasing the quality of life for her constituents with such events as a Masquerade Ball, Back-to-School Rally, Senior Appreciation Luncheon, and much more. Her dedication and hands-on approach with residents, business leaders, public and private institutions, community groups, and other elected officials has been fundamental in changing the “status quo.”
The Blue Ribbon Commission, appointed by Councilwoman Banks in 2016, consist of nine members, whose ultimate mission is to enrich north Baton Rouge's communities and economy through the public, private partnerships, and grass root efforts. Two major initiatives being pursued: bringing Champion Medical Center emergency services to Howell Place and keeping the BREC Zoo in its current location with the necessary sustainable resources to promote it as a recreation, education, and conservation destination. Councilwoman Banks has made a life-long commitment to move her community forward, and will always work to foster an end to joblessness, neighborhood blight and poor public education through using the tools of public policy, legislation and public involvement. Her overall vision is to improve her constituents’ quality of life – regardless of race, class, gender, or socio-economic status. She continues to believe that there is a solution to every problem, and that when we work together, everybody wins.
