Two centuries of small-town charm meet modern, intentional investment in Covington, Louisiana, where a walkable, tree-canopied downtown now hums with live music, destination dining, and all-ages events. For Mayor Mark Johnson, the strategy has been simple—and disciplined: help the businesses you already have thrive, and the rest will follow. “The city government’s role is to facilitate the success of the businesses that are here,” Mayor Johnson says. “When existing businesses are successful, you don’t have to chase new ones— they seek you out.” That guiding principle is visible block by block: safer streets and sidewalks, refreshed facades under thoughtful historic oversight, creative ODERN MOMENTUM N, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH 70 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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