Elevating Roanoke's Future Together

Your Vote
Our Future

About Me

I am a second generation American with grandparents born in small villages in Poland and Romania. I was raised in Pittsburgh, PA as the child of a veteran and a teacher. The United States literally saved my grandparents' lives and I was raised with a sense of obligation and love for what our country is and can be. After serving the Roanoke Valley for thirty years as a Rabbi and Community activist, I am ready to dedicate my full energy to contributing what I can to leading Roanoke into a bright future!

Served, since its inception, on the Gun Violence Prevention Commission
Chairperson of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission for 3 years
Served on Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board
Chaired the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty subcommittee
Board Member, United Way
Roanoke Kiwanis Club
Board Member and Chair of Family Promise Board
Community member on Roanoke City Public Schools long term planning committee
Member RAM Board, Chair Roanoke Ministers' Conference, Susan G. Komen Board

My Commitment To Roanoke

Awards I deeply value

NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award
Doctor of Divinity, Honorus Causus
Rabbi Emerita, Temple Emanuel

My hobbies

Kayaking at Carvin's Cove

Bowling

Pinball at Roanoke's Pinball Museum

Pickleball

Crafts

Reading

Spending Time with my children and grandchild

The Issues

Economic Viability

Economic Development

Education

Safety for All

- Creating ways to make public transportation available and accessible for - Increasing accessibility to Adult education and vocational development through collaboration with local institutions of higher learning and local businesses - Encouraging incubators and grants to start small businesses particularly in economically depressed areas - Work together with Carilion and Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) to ensure full access to healthcare services - Collaborate with businesses, non-profits, and government agencies to sponsor several “fix-it up” Roanoke days to help those in need, clean up neighborhoods, etc. - Create an easier pathway to match those in need with available services

- Currently a Medical and Outdoor Hub; add another major reason to bring people to the area - Put resources into solving the housing shortage and finding creative solutions for the unhoused population - Foster a new and flourishing relationship with local business and the City Government

- Ensure access to high quality, affordable child care and preschools - Maintain clear and consistent funding formula for RCPS - Support the priorities of the School Board and Strategic Plan including but not limited to: - Achieve academic excellence for all students - All schools are safe for students and staff - Create an atmosphere of acceptance, integrity, and kindness that leads to student well-being and self confidence - Attract, train and retain the best staff - Enhance arts, athletics and extra-curricular activities

- Continued support for evidence based programs that have been effective in reducing violent crime – gun violence intervention, community based policing, Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma (RESET) - Different neighborhoods have different types of safety issues – regular open meetings to hear concerns and work together for solutions - Work with non-profits to enhance services for those who are unhoused - Prioritize our Fire and Police Departments ensuring that they are fairly paid, have excellent equipment and are an honored part of our community - Collaborate with Carilion to continue support to lowering substance abuse and substance abuse fatalities Honor our military veterans by ensuring that needed services are readily available - Enhance equitable practices for those with physical or cognitive needs

Voices from
the Community

"I have known, worked with, planned events, with Rabbi Kathy Cohen for numerous years on matters of Faith and the broader community. I am very aware of her love and interest in a thriving Roanoke. Regardless of her many other responsibilities she has stayed in communication and knowledgeable of the concerns, challenges and developments for our Star City. She also is adept at working collaboratively with others even those with different opinions. At the same time she stays in touch with the reality of the least of those among us. Kathy would be a strong advocate for Roanoke and its citizens."

Catherine Zawacki; John Zawacki
Executive Director Points of Diversity, Leaders of Voices of Faith

"I have known Kathy for many years, and her dedication to our city is unquestioned. Her campaign is marked by a commitment to open, transparent government and to returning adequate funding to our public schools. As a former elected official, I know the time and commitment public service requires, and Kathy is well-prepared to deliver for the citizens of the Star City. I am privileged to stand with her campaign and give her my support."

Nelson HarrisMayor, City of Roanoke, 2004-2008

"Rabbi Kathy Cohen has been an advocate for unity, safety, responsibility, and integrity for many years. There is no one better equipped to serve the people of Roanoke."

Rev. Dr. David A. Jones

"Kathy Cohen is an exceptional leader. She's smart, caring and committed to making the lives of Roanokers better through a focus on economic development and job creation. She recognizes that the growth and attraction of business drives our local economy and economic opportunity, and is committed to providing the resources needed to educate our children while also holding schools accountable. Kathy understands that City government must manage its financial resources appropriately while maintaining competitive tax rates that attract residents and businesses. I wholeheartedly endorse Kathy for Roanoke City Council."

Court Rosen
Former Vice Mayor, Member, Roanoke City Council

"I endorse Kathy Cohen because of her proven leadership, her intelligence and willingness to tackle the toughest of assignments, and her love for our city."

Ann Hackworth

"It is my pleasure to endorse Kathy Cohen for Roanoke City Council in the upcoming election. Over the 10+ years I've now Kathy, I have witnessed her unwavering dedication to justice and equity throughout our community, and to connecting others to work together for the betterment of Roanoke. I believe Kathy will work tirelessly to improve the safety of our community, our quality of life, and the economic vibrancy of the City of Roanoke."

C.W. Markham

"Very happy to have the opportunity to endorse Kathy Cohen for City Council!"

John Lichtenstein

"Kathy is sharp, committed and the type of level-headed person that we need on City Council."

Bill Hackworth
Retired Roanoke City Attorney

"I have worked with Kathy Cohen on multiple occasions and have always been impressed in the time and thought she puts into doing things to improve our community. She takes the time to actually hear what people are saying and considers all sides to any issue. She would be an asset on Roanoke City Council and a fair voice for our citizens."

Dawn Tanner Erdman
Community Volunteer

"As a business owner and a parent of 3, I am confident that Kathy Cohen is the right person for City Council. She understands the importance of a business positive climate and a strong community. I know she will work tirelessly to properly fund our schools and our city. Her years of leadership in many different organizations show that she is thoughtful, sensible and always acts with integrity."

Robert Lichtenstein

"I am happy to support Kathy, we have known each other for several years. We have worked together on committees which gave me insight into seeing the heart she has for people! She has demonstrated what it means to be a servant leader."

Anita James Price
Retired Educator

"Kathy Cohen has dedicated herself to improving the lives of people in Roanoke for decades. I look forward to having her voice guide our city in the years ahead!"

Your Vote Our Future