As Term Comes to a Close, Mims Reflects On Impact On Youth
- The Dayton Weekly News
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Wednesday marked the final Dayton City Commission meeting of the year, which also meant it was the last time for Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. to bang the gavel as the group’s leader. The meeting was Mims’ penultimate official appearance, with just a swearing in of new commissioners remaining. After the closing of the city commission meeting, he took some time to talk about what he calls his life’s work. Through decades of influencing younger generations working with Dayton Public Schools to present day, there are few — if any — moments in between where Mims stopped working toward improving the quality of life for people living in the city he calls home.
Mims first won a seat as Dayton City Commission in 2014, eventually being elected mayor in 2021. He lost his re-election bid in November to City Commissioner Shenise Turner-Sloss. Working in jobs serving the public for decades Mims focus was simple: safety, housing, education, jobs and recreation. Mims spoke proudly about his team’s efforts over the years to bring in new investors, help create jobs and increase the median income. He may be leaving office, but the leadership component remains. “We have to do a better job in terms of marketing and letting people know so many of the great things that”
A lifetime educator, coach and mentor hoping to share his experiences with others. “How do you balance the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly,” he said, “and to — bottom line — improve the quality of life for the citizens that we have in our community.” Over the years, Mims discovered opportunities in the Dayton region that worked well for him. He finds joy in passing that onto others. “For them to go out and make their own positive contribution to this community. That’s my big reward.” Although his term is complete, he’s not really going anywhere. “I’ll be involved in something some way, shape or form again, bottom line, improving the quality of life of the citizens that we have in Dayton,” he said. Mims says he may take a step back for a while to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. One thing he says he’ll never stop doing is showing up for the people in the Gem City.
