On June 22, 2020, I had the honor of being appointed as Beatrice’s City Attorney. While COVID-19 has certainly put a damper on being able to attend community events, I have still been able to discover the many great things that this community has to offer.
Through my attendance at the local KIWANIS club, Eagle’s club, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Beatrice class, I have been able to meet many of the community leaders and others who help make Beatrice the great community that it is today. For example, through Leadership Beatrice, I have gotten to meet many organizers and employees from many of the local non-profits; many of the local manufacturing companies; and many others who help Beatrice thrive and grow.
Having grown up all my life in small towns like Beatrice, I know that what these kinds of communities have to offer is a lot of opportunity and kindness toward one’s neighbor. Prior to Beatrice, I lived in Lincoln and Omaha. When some of my friends found out I accepted a job in Beatrice, some scoffed, and some others worried about me having less opportunity to learn and grow. However, since I moved to Beatrice and began serving this community, I have found Beatrice to be a City with a community that genuinely cares about providing a great place to live and work, and also one that has all kinds of opportunity for those who seek it out.
One example of the community working together for a better City is the grant application process. As one can imagine, applying for large grants requires a lot of paperwork. Having no experience in grant writing, the task initially seemed quite overwhelming. However, after getting used to the process, I sought the help of others in the community. Because these grants are used to fund significant projects, many different organizations tend to get involved in the process of bringing the project to life. For example, when applying for a large downtown revitalization grant, Michael Sothan from Main Street Beatrice, a few members of the Chamber of Commerce, and others from NGage were all more than willing to help with gathering the information I needed to apply for the grant. Everyone tends to try to pitch in where they can to help improve the community.
Beatrice also has many community resources in its non-profit organizations, professional organizations, and service clubs. Through Leadership Beatrice, I was exposed to a number of, but certainly not all, local non-profits who all serve the local community. These non-profits help ensure that people not only get what they need, but also help people to achieve higher goals and take advantage of opportunities unique to Beatrice. From Rita’s Cat Rescue to the Homestead Conservation and Trails Association, I have seen so many members of this community show their dedication both serving and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Beatrice.
As I strive to acclimate to the demands of being a City Attorney, I find no lack of motivation after seeing how many people demonstrate their love and belief in this community through their acts of service. I look forward to serving the City of Beatrice for many years to come, and doing my part to help this City grow and improve for everyone in the community.
Taylor Rivera
City Attorney