Community revitalization catalysts: Part II

Downtowns are thriving across Georgia thanks to the efforts of local Main Street programs. Georgia’s accredited Main Street cities generated more than $824 million in combined private and public investment in 2024, reinforcing the vital role these districts play in driving economic growth and community pride.

As of today, I cannot tell you the exact dollar amount that Downtown Blakely has contributed to the local economy over the past couple of years. Next year, when Blakely receives its “Classic Main Street” status, we will be able to provide those figures to demonstrate the economic impact of Downtown Blakely and its small businesses.

Vibrant downtowns are a prime catalyst for attracting industrial development. They house businesses that bring people and their money to our community. This increases the local sales tax, which local governments depend on to provide quality services and infrastructure to the public.

There are different elements to creating a thriving downtown. If you own a business downtown, please consider this: For the local sales tax to have the ability to boost – you must promote the business’s services or products appropriately to reach your target audience… as well as maintain consistent days and hours of operation. It’s a wasted opportunity for the community if a “closed” sign is hanging from a storefront door during prime shopping days, hours and holidays.

I assure you there are prospective businesses out there who would gladly fill those storefronts with quality businesses that would contribute to a higher quality of life in all of Southwest Georgia. These are opportunities for improvement as we grow Downtown Blakely and all of Early County.

Under the current conditions with overpriced and underdeveloped properties, Historic Downtown Blakely will never move forward no matter how many incentives and designations are in place. Over the past two and a half years, the Office of Economic Development has worked to provide opportunities for incentives to prospective investors; however, these incentives do absolutely nothing for our community without appropriate property ownership and occupancy.

Our downtown isn’t any different from any other downtown in Georgia. We face similar issues. The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) teaches through its Certified GA Downtown Professionals Program that with similar issues there are similar solutions. Cookie cutter solutions don’t exist, but at least there is a guide provided for us to modify to fit our needs and wants.

Much of the issues that have been presented over the past three years involve code enforcement and accountability. Code enforcement is tough. It’s even tougher in small rural communities because most of us know each other or have mutual connections. After speaking with cities that have dealt with the very same dilemma, it has become clear that the best solution to address code enforcement is to outsource a code enforcement officer temporarily. This officer would properly enforce the code of ordinances – specifically historic preservation and the Blight Tax (if the city sees that it is within its best interest to adopt).

Preferably the outsourced code enforcement officer would not be from the Early County or the region. This creates a neutral environment for tighter code enforcement and to get the city back in compliance with its code of ordinances. Only when property owners are truly held accountable for the way they maintain their buildings and work with prospective quality businesses will Downtown Blakely make any progress with its revitalization. Until then – we may be at a standstill just as we have been for many, many years.

Published in the Early County News on August 12, 2025.