Kimberly Townsend

Kimberly Townsend earned an associate degree from Indiana Business College in 1992. Her career experience includes working as a chief executive officer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kim Townsend is an Anderson native who has dedicated decades to serving her community. As CEO of the Anderson Housing Authority, she helped rebuild the agency, led its removal from HUD “Troubled Status,” and secured nearly $9 million in funding for housing and community development initiatives. Under her leadership, the Authority has expanded affordable housing opportunities and implemented programs that help residents move toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Kim’s service extends well beyond housing. She has served in leadership and board roles with Ivy Tech Community College, Community Hospital Foundation, Madison County Community Foundation, Anderson Homeless Task Force, Madison County Corporation for Economic Development, Anderson Black Expo, and the Alliance, formerly the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as President of the Indiana Chapter of NAHRO. Kim’s community leadership has earned numerous honors, including Servant Leader of the Year, Woman of Impact, induction into the Anderson Community Schools Hall of Fame, and an honorary degree from Ivy Tech Community College recognizing her contributions to the college and community. Kim also completed an Executive Management Program through Rutgers University in 2020 furthering her experience and qualifications. Kim is the mother of two sons, grandmother of five and sole caregiver to her niece. She is a member and trustee of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordability is not just a campaign goal, it has been my life’s work! Families across Indiana, including here in District 36, are struggling with the rising costs of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and childcare. I have spent my career working to strengthen communities, expand housing opportunities, and help families build greater stability. My goal is to bring all that I have achieved and experienced in this area to the Statehouse. Even as a once struggling parent, I put the families first in everything I did, by lowering barriers to opportunities and working to ensure every family has a fair chance to build a sustainable future and create opportunities they can pass on to the next generation.Hard work should provide a pathway to a good life. Yet too many Hoosiers work every day and still struggle to afford housing, food, utilities, transportation and childcare. Indiana’s $7.25 minimum wage has remained unchanged for far too long while everyday costs continue to rise. I support raising the minimum wage and investing in workforce development, skilled trades, apprenticeships and good-paying jobs. I will stand with workers and organized labor to ensure Hoosiers are respected, fairly compensated and given opportunities to advance. Indiana should be a place where hard work allows families to build a future, not simply survive.How you spend your money shows your priority. Strong communities begin with strong public schools. I believe Indiana must prioritize our public schools, fairly compensate teachers, and ensure students have the counselors, support services, technology and resources they need to succeed. This requires more than a campaign pledge, but real action! Public dollars should strengthen the public schools that serve the overwhelming majority of Indiana families and not be diverted at their expense. I will listen to educators, parents and students and advocate for policies that prepare every child, regardless of ZIP code or family income and regardless of the chosen path as long as it allows them to build a successful future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about policies that create economic stability and opportunity for working families. That means affordable housing, livable wages, strong public schools, accessible childcare, good-paying jobs and investment in overlooked communities. I also believe in good government...putting people before politics and working across party lines while focusing on solutions instead of division. My life’s work has been helping people and communities become stronger and more self-sufficient and I have proven, sustainable results.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

DLCC, IDACC, States Win, AFL/CIO, UAW, Central Midwest Carpenters Union, Indiana Reproductive Freedom PAC, Indiana Legislative Caucus, Indiana High School Democrats