Agenda - 08-19-2010 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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22 Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities Swainsboro, a city with just under 7,000 residents in south- east Georgia —the "City Where Main Streets Meet' —has made downtown revitalization a priority. The city has established a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), whose main objective is "to foster a healthy, thriving economy in downtown Swains- boro." The DDA has developed a full inventory of downtown businesses, noting that a range of business types is essential to a healthy and balanced local economy.' The city and the DDA have found creative ways to revital- ize downtown Swainsboro. The city offered a fagade grant program to encourage downtown businesses to make fagade improvements (75 percent of businesses have done so) and converted the site of the old courthouse into a public plaza, creating a focal point in the downtown area. In 2009, the DDA, along with the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and the county's Joint Development Authority (JDA), in conjunction with the local newspaper, radio stations, and several investment and larger facilities outside existing neighborhoods forces staff, parents, and children to drive to school rather than have the option to safely walk or bicycle within the neighborhood. When new schools are required, old school buildings can be rehabilitated to other uses in order to preserve the important historic features of a community and build onto the fabric of the existing town. Strategy 2.d. Foster economic development in existing downtowns Local business survey In order to foster economic development in existing downtowns, it is important to assess the assets and needs of the businesses that are located in the area. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the down- town business environment will help communities tai- lor economic development strategies and investments in ways that will be most useful to those businesses and help the community thrive. Business recognition program Communities can create a recognition program to reward businesses that add architectural and economic value to the community. A program could applaud impressive historic renovations or host a creative window display competition. Acknowledging the properties firms, launched the Creative Marketplace Competi- tion. The competition is aimed at bringing new businesses downtown, further reducing the vacancy rate and diversify- ing the downtown business mix. It offers three awards, in the categories of retail, restaurant, and arts /entertainment. Winners receive three months of free rent, subsidized rent for the rest of the first year, $5,000 in start -up money, and free advertising in the local newspaper and on the local radio station. Investing in its downtown has helped Swainsboro remain a vibrant rural community.z 1 City of Swainsboro. "Downtown Development Authority." http: // cityofswainsbDro.org/ business /resources /downtowndevelopment / 2 City of Swainsboro. "Creative Marketplace Competition." http: // cityofswainsboro .org /whatsnewdowntown /downtown -projects/ downtown-business- plan-contest/ Economic development and investment in existing downtowns can help create strong community centers, support local businesses, and build the local economy. The Cotton District, in Starkville, Mississippi, draws residents to the downtown area for shopping, as well as community events and festivals. important economic, cultural, and social roles that local businesses provide offers another incentive for those businesses to remain in the downtown. Other incentives might include recognition plaques or press conferences. Such strategies can create some favor- able press about local businesses and promote healthy competition among them for future marketing efforts. a N s a 0 111