Taffanye Young Appointed Assistant City Manager of Savannah

News Summary

Savannah has appointed Taffanye Young as its new Assistant City Manager, effective July 18, 2025. Young will oversee the implementation of the new Savannah GPS Strategic Plan, enhancing governance and community services. With over 30 years of experience, she is expected to foster public-private partnerships, improve recreational spaces, and drive city initiatives aimed at elevating the quality of life for residents.

Savannah has appointed Taffanye Young as the new Assistant City Manager, effective July 18, 2025. This decision comes in line with the recent adoption of the Savannah GPS Strategic Plan, which aims to enhance the city’s governance and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Young will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and evaluation of the Savannah GPS Strategic Plan, as well as supporting City Council priorities, fostering community relations, and cultivating external partnerships. She has committed to instilling a culture of accountability and excellence in public service within the city’s administration.

In her role, Young will collaborate closely with City Manager Jay Melder, directing and coordinating various government activities and operations. Melder has recognized Young as a valuable asset to the city, citing her over 30 years of experience in enhancing municipal services for the Savannah community.

Before her new position, Young served as the Chief Community Services Officer since 2012. In this capacity, she oversaw multiple departments, including Housing and Neighborhood Services, Human Services, Recreation and Leisure Services, Cultural Resources, and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. Her extensive experience has equipped her with the tools to positively impact Savannah’s community services.

Throughout her career, Young has focus on developing public-private partnerships, increasing the availability of affordable housing, and improving recreational offerings and family connection programs. She has also supported initiatives aimed at assisting the unhoused population within Savannah.

Young has been instrumental in launching new initiatives, particularly within the Recreation Reimagined program—a project that she conceptualized to revitalize city parks. The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at Blackshear Park showcased several upgrades, including newly repaved basketball courts and enhanced playground and picnic areas. These developments reflect Young’s commitment to creating safe and enjoyable public recreational spaces.

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan has underscored the community’s demand for improved recreational spaces as a critical element in the development of her district. Young’s appointment as Assistant City Manager is expected to help address these needs and elevate the quality of city amenities.

Looking ahead, Young has expressed enthusiasm for ongoing and future projects aimed at further improving Savannah’s recreational offerings. Plans include renovations for city pools, the introduction of splash pads, and an expansion of family programming within the community. Additionally, Savannah is home to over 70 playgrounds and 36 outdoor courts, which will benefit from improved maintenance and care under Young’s guidance.

This new role underlines the city’s commitment to enhancing public service and meeting the diverse needs of its residents. With Taffanye Young’s leadership, Savannah aims to not only meet but exceed the expectations established in the Savannah GPS Strategic Plan.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Business Journal: Taffanye Young Named Savannah Asst City Manager
• Savannah Now: Daffin Park Set for Accessible Playground
• WSAV: City of Savannah’s Youth Summit Returns
• Google Search: Savannah Assistant City Manager
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah City Government