“We have a lot of history because of being in the Western culture,” highlights Mayor Pam Gosline, underscoring Vernon’s collaborative spirit. “We’re all partners, and for us to grow, it takes all of us. It just can’t be one taxing entity. It needs to be about building relationships with all the partners.” She names Wilbarger General Hospital, the North Texas State Hospital, Vernon College, Wilbarger County, and the Vernon Independent School District among those crucial partners, along with a thriving network of local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Business Development Corporation. VIBRANCY ON MAIN STREET AND BEYOND Downtown Vernon is in the midst of a transformation, thanks in part to a forward-thinking Main Street program. Haley Bounds, Director of Main Street and Tourism shares, “Beautification and place-making are our two main focuses in our Main Street right now.” Business attraction is also key, complementing the existing enterprises with even more options that cater to the community. “The Main Street beautification committee is working with our other city departments to make it more appealing for businesses to want to invest in our community and for our community members to want to reinvest as well,” she adds. A big part of this effort involves attracting familyfocused businesses to serve Vernon’s younger population. Bounds relays, “We’re looking to bring in more for families, something geared towards children, and also maybe some more food-related businesses that really cater to the people that work and live downtown.” Recently the city has welcomed the Vernon Boys and Girls Club Teen Center to Main Street, bringing some of that youthful energy to the area. A façade grant is also available to support existing businesses and help with beautification efforts.“We do our best to allocate those funds to the necessary entities, the ones that are putting in the work to make our Main Street better,” Bounds remarks. “We try to give them all the help that they need to make that happen, to give our Main Street a much-needed face lift.” Walkability is also an important goal as Vernon builds 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 VERNON, TX
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