After several years as Deputy Communications Director for Mayor Jim Kenney, Ajeenah Amir recently took the helm of the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement (OPE).

A Philadelphian by birth and, today, by choice, Ajeenah works right down the hall from Mayor Kenney in an old City Hall courtroom that now functions as an office suite for Ajeenah and several colleagues.

Occasionally, you can hear, and even feel, the Broad Street Line rumbling by underneath.

In between the subway’s strangely charming rumbles, Ajeenah answered a few rapid fire questions about what OPE does and where it’s going.

What does the Office of Public Engagement do?

We’re here to make sure the City is listening to Philadelphians and speaking to them in ways that reflect that we hear their needs and concerns. OPE houses a number of Mayor Kenney’s advisory commissions and committees, like the Office of Black Male Engagement, the Philadelphia Commission for Women, the Mayor’s Commission for Asian American Affairs, the Youth Commission, and the Millennial Advisory Committee.

I want to make sure that, through this office, people are feeling connected to city government, and that they can get the Kenney Administration to listen to them about the things that matter to them.

What does that look like in a practical, everyday sense?

Through our commissions and committees, we set up mechanisms and spaces to be able to have that flow of ideas and voices with representatives of those communities . We host those meetings and gatherings, many of them open to the public. Representatives from these offices and commissions go to community events and talk about the Kenney Administration’s initiatives, and they hear concerns from communities, too.

There’s also a policy component. We’re working on formalizing a process for submitting policy briefs directly to the Mayor’s Office. Tons of great ideas that address important community needs come directly from communities.

So, I’m especially excited that city policy can, hopefully, one day be created based on  community input and in a way that is both practical and can accomplish things!

This sounds like a lot of meetings.

It does, right?! But through that engagement we’re finding creative ways to not just change things but also change the perception some have where they don’t feel they can trust or rely on government in general. I would encourage anyone to give us a chance and to take a chance to learn about what we’re doing in this office. Check us out on social media or even visit our offices and ask questions!

We’re also looking at ways to incorporate civic engagement into the idea of public engagement, like how volunteerism or other connections are made, and how public engagement might be able to change perceptions. If you can change perceptions, if people feel heard, can we then get them to act? To volunteer? To build up neighborhoods and communities — together, with us? I’m really excited about exploring that path.

Is that your vision for the office, engagement leading to action?

Yes! I want the offices and commission under OPE  to empower communities. I want us to provide them information and resources to spark curiosity about what government could do to help address problems as well as providing them opportunities to act, to take part, and to receive resources and info that could positively change their lives.

How has your previous experience brought you here?

Part of my nature is being a connector and facilitator.

In my previous role with the Mayor’s Office as Deputy Communications Director, I worked with many different departments and was part of a team working across many different stakeholders.

I see my past experience as an asset and something that’s value added to OPE, because I’ve been so closely involved with strategy and the messaging and operations around some of these critically important initiatives — like Rebuild or PHLpreK — so it gives me insight on how to best spread the word so people in our communities and in our neighborhoods know what’s going on.

A lot of my experience is communications-based, but I’m excited about using that to develop data-driven solutions and policies and, of course, actions!

New jobs are often a bit nerve-wracking. Are you scared?

A little bit scared! I’m definitely excited and slightly nervous, but I feel ready. I’ve been overwhelmed by the professional and personal support I’ve received — and so many kind words of encouragement!

Moving into leadership is something I’ve wanted to do for awhile. I feel like I’ve been blessed with strong mentors, rich professional experiences, and educational opportunities that have led me to serve in this way.

You’ve spent time working and studying in Washington, DC, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Which is best? Be honest.

Philadelphia!

Why?

It’s home! I grew up in the Mt. Airy section of Philly. I was born in Booth Maternity Center on Germantown Avenue, a hippie midwives center that doesn’t exist anymore.

Plus, Philly is best because we just are! Philadelphians are down to earth, passionate, and are what makes the city distinctly great.

Also, the landscape, literal and figurative, is so diverse.

When I think of growing up in Northwest Philly, there were winding roads and trees and then you come to Center City or South Philly where it’s a pretty straightforward urban landscape. I LOVE Fairmount Park!  As an adult, I’ve been able to really explore what the city has to offer. After I came back to Philly after college and after spending time in Washington and Harrisburg, Philly’s been great to me.

You’ll be working a lot in this new role. Describe the perfect day off.

It would have to be an actual spring day, none of this cold spring we had this year, with warmth and sunshine along the Wissahickon Trail with my son, Asa, and we’re doing something fun or important, like learning to ride his tricycle. He’s two-and-a-half years old now.

Ideally, I’m going to some kind of street or park festival later.  And grabbing something good to eat!

Has being a mom affected how you view policy or government?

Definitely! I have the same concerns and anxieties that other Philly parents do, so that frames the way I look at a lot of things.

It’s been super rewarding serving in the Kenney Administration and be able to help get high quality pre-K to thousands of Philadelphia families through PHLpreK, to support and expand community schools, and to see improvements start to happen in parks, libraries, and rec centers through Rebuild.

I’m also super excited about my son’s educational future, now that we’ve gained back local control of the school district.  As a resident and homeowner in the city, I have a literal stake in his future, and I’m more encouraged about it than ever before.  

So, I want to address the elephant in the room: the subway. I can hear it while we’re talking.

After day three or four of working here, it’s literally just background noise. It provides a nice chair massage for my back, actually.

Which is louder: the Broad Street Line or Jim Kenney?

Haha! It depends on the day.