economic pillars, safety, and focus on education. Approximately 583 square miles, Wilson is the 19th largest county in the state and the 4th fastestgrowing. The county is made up of three towns: Lebanon, Mount Juliet, and Watertown. The county takes pride in the fact that 74% of the land is open space. In fact, Wilson County holds the largest population of century farms in the state of Tennessee. Despite being a perk, the county’s rustic aesthetic is not the main reason residents choose to live there. “Education is the number one reason people move to Wilson County. Public safety is another contributing factor, and lastly, we’re close enough to Nashville that people can go in and have fun, yet not have the hustle and bustle of that large city atmosphere to live in,” says Mayor Randall Hutto. So, there is a very good balance between rural and suburban life, with easy access to urban amenities. Wilson County’s economic strategy revolves around maintaining a diverse business ecosystem. While distribution remains a major sector, light manufacturing has also taken root, evolving into a high-tech industry that requires a skilled workforce. Healthcare is another pillar of growth, with a focus on attracting businesses involved in research and development and supply chain logistics. Fortunately for residents, the county’s leaders have been working to improve its business ecosystem via key investments in infrastructure. “We added a bypass called Golden Bear gateway, and a lot of businesses and development have come along to that area,” Mayor Hutto remarks. One of Amazon’s largest facilities, a five-story main distribution center, is just one of many large developments that have settled down in the area. This diversification ensures that the local economy remains resilient and adaptable and has helped to invigorate economically smaller areas like Mount Juliet. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx