Connecting Resilient Communities

Hopefully you will remember the story told earlier this year of when Downtown Blakely turned into Mayberry while I was giving a special tour. This is where that story comes full circle as I anticipated it would.

The two ladies I was showing around Downtown on that particular perfect day were from the Archway Partnership with the University of Georgia. They visited to learn more about Blakely and how UGA can assist us in our revitalization efforts. After the tour and friendly welcomes from the community, I never doubted Blakely would be selected for one of their partnership programs.

About a month ago, Blakely was selected as a participant in UGA’s Connecting Resilient Communities (CRC) Program. This is such a huge deal for our community! I cannot wait to get this program kickstarted. It is a fantastic opportunity that will engage leadership, students and anyone who wants to play an active role in community revitalization.

Today (April 30) a group of six folks, including me, are in Athens for training. This partnership will allow Blakely the opportunity to tap into valuable UGA resources, as well as working with UGA students and faculty members on three community projects. Based on the responses from the UGA survey that has been circulating over the past few weeks, the core community team will select and organize projects that best meet the objectives of the program and local economic development goals.

In the coming weeks, there will be more information on the Connecting Resilient Communities program and how everyone in Blakely can play a role in its success. I encourage you to reach out to me if you or an organization would like to join us as we work together to move Blakely forward in a positive economic direction and higher quality of living for all.

Ya’ll will hear me say and write this many times: Early County has so many unique assets – including its people. I sometimes refer to these as “hidden gems.” It’s time to start activating these assets (or polishing gems) for the good and overall survival of a beautiful place that deserves better… because if not us, then who? And if not now, then when?

Shared with permission from The Early County News