The city’s focus on preserving its architectural heritage while enhancing accessibility is evident in its ongoing development efforts. “We apply for facade grants annually, or as often as we’re allowed based on previous awards and job completion,” says Walley.“That’s allowed us to keep downtown looking good.There are no empty storefronts.”This proactive approach to maintaining the district’s character pays dividends in sustained business occupancy and visitor appeal. Currently, Savannah is advancing its pedestrianfriendly initiatives through a multimodal grant program. “We’re working on sidewalk improvement grants right now for crosswalks and walkability,” explains Walley. The focus on infrastructure improvements complements the historic preservation efforts, creating an inviting downtown environment that serves both residents and the growing tourist population. This balanced approach to urban development maintains the district’s historic charm while adapting to modern needs. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS FOR THE FUTURE Savannah maintains an extensive utility network that reaches well beyond its city limits.“We serve water, sewer, and gas as our main utilities,” explains Walley. “We serve water and gas to over half the county outside the city limits, and sewer to our industrial park and city residents.” This infrastructure requires substantial ongoing investment, with millions allocated to underground improvements that, while invisible to residents, prove essential for community growth and future development. Recent federal funding has accelerated these improvements.“We’ve luckilytaken advantage of ARPA funds, the COVID monies that the federal government pumped out to states,” Walley notes. “We’ve worked with our engineers and grant facilitators to pinpoint our critical utility infrastructure areas and pump literally millions of dollars into maintaining and upgrading our system to support our population.” The city’s infrastructure vision includes technological advancement, particularly in addressing rural connectivity challenges. “Not everybody has good internet, and that’s hard to believe,” says Walley. While supported by a robust Main Street program that extends beyond traditional business support. The initiative encompasses larger community events while supporting economic development throughout the historic district. “Our Main Street program supports downtown historic district businesses primarily, but we branch off further to assist all businesses,” Walley notes. 162 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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