Wouldn’t it be silly for a person to walk out into a backyard expecting to see tomato plants in full bloom with ripe fruit, without having ever touched a shovel, planted a seed, watered, weeded or tended the ground? This scenario is highly unlikely. Yet, we can apply this hypothetical scene to how most Georgians view downtowns.
In our past, downtowns were the heart and soul of communities. They were the centers of commerce and information, jobs, goods, entertainment, restaurants and festivals. Then the suburban movement occurred, for a variety of reasons. Most people moved out of city centers and took their commerce with them.
What was once past comes to life again, as more and more people are realizing the value of healthy, vibrant downtowns.
Yet much needs to be done to draw attention to purposefully investing to create these economical and cultural centers. The seeds of possibility have been sown with examples such as Thomasville, Decatur and Rome. However, without proper tending and nurturing, Georgia downtowns cannot reach their full financial and energized potentials.
While many people hold a nostalgic view of downtowns or view them as novelties, they hold the potential to bring about real economic healing for our state. They are “economic engines,” according to the 2011 “Cities and Downtowns: Building Blocks to Recovery,” an executive summary of an assessment of Georgia’s downtowns by the Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Cities Foundation and University of Georgia.
Sixty-four percent of Georgia’s jobs are located in cities. The state’s downtowns generate more jobs and revenue each year than a Kia or Caterpillar plant. Plus, they save tax dollars with their pre-existing, critical infrastructures like water and sewer, allowing housing and businesses to thrive. We need healthy and viable downtowns that are safe, aesthetically pleasing places that naturally draw people and business to them.
To harness the wealth afforded by healthy downtowns, more opinions need to be changed about their high value.
What do Georgia downtowns need to become the cultural centerpieces and economic engines they once were? Each needs a strategic plan to tap into its unique cultural and historical identity, along with savvy financial investments. We need to continue to grow a citizen and electorate base knowledgeable of the power of downtowns and willing to advocate for and nurture them.
Danny Bivins is the public service associate with the University of Georgia.
