Renee Garner’s roots run deep in Matthews – she is a third generation resident, living in the house her grandfather built. Among many other things, Renee is an artist, community leader, businesswoman, wife and mother.
Renee’s town involvement began when she led the charge against the John Street widening. She organized her neighbors into Preserve Matthews, learned to navigate NCDOT’s murky depths to keep residents informed, and served on the John Street Working Group to find a Matthews friendly solution. Her years of hard work and determination in the face of opposition and harassment from those with interest in the project culminated in success just this year when NCDOT announced they would delay the project for six years.
Renee served the county on an advisory board to the Mecklenburg Arts & Science Council, and as the president of the NC Herb Association. She has also spent many hours volunteering at the Matthews Community Farmers Market. An avid gardener and lover of nature, Renee plants her “yarden” with a focus on environmentally sustainable practices.
Professionally, Renee studied Fiber Arts at UNCC and has spent the years since creating her own art as well as designing graphics for others’ marketing materials and websites. Renee is co-founder and co-owner of The Matthews Beacon, a local news website created to help the citizens of Matthews stay informed and engaged in their community. While the Beacon is on a temporary pause, Renee is pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at UNC Chapel Hill.
As a Commissioner, Renee continues her work to preserve Matthews’ small-town charm through smart growth, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.