Augusta Mayor-elect Steven Kendrick is hearing directly from the community as he prepares to take office, beginning with the first of four community engagement sessions held Sunday night at Diamond Lakes Regional Park.

People attending the meeting had the opportunity to share questions, concerns and ideas with Kendrick and members of his transition team. Topics ranged from city services and government efficiency to how taxpayer money is being spent.

For some attendees, simply having the opportunity to be part of the conversation was important.

“I think the biggest thing we saw today was the turnout from the community,” Debra Estep said. “It has been hard honestly with the history of our government to trust its progress where they will listen to citizens, but the fact is that us showing up is more than half the battle and with us doing that we can make progress.”

Read more at WJBF.