on attracting businesses that will draw people to stay in the city and enjoy it—retail shops, dining options, and hospitality venues.” Interim City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones emphasizes the importance of engaging Clarkston’s residents in shaping the downtown area’s future.“We want to know what our community desires,” she says. “This upcoming fiscal year, our goal is to develop a strategic plan that incorporates input from residents, as well as the mayor and city council, so we can determine exactly what needs to be done to make downtown more attractive.”Thoughtful planning, she notes, is central to ensuring that Clarkston’s growth benefits everyone who calls it home. GREEN SPACES AND PATHWAYS Clarkston’s compact size doesn’t limit its ambitions for outdoor spaces and trail connectivity. The city has strategically invested in parks, greenways, and pedestrian infrastructure to ensure residents can access recreation, nature, and walkable pathways. Mayor Burks points out the city’s involvement in the Stone Mountain Trail, a 19-mile route stretching from Stone Mountain to Atlanta.“We’ve invested over a million dollars in upgrades to our portion of the trail,” she explains. “That includes improvements to sidewalks and beautification efforts.”The trail passes through DeKalb County and is an essential artery for pedestrians and cyclists. A key component of that vision is the Greenway Trail Feasibility Study, a project designed to connect Clarkston’s existing trails with neighboring cities. “Our community is very walkable, and many residents rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation,” Mayor Burks says. “We’ve identified walkways—whether formally created or developed naturally—and looked at how we can better connect them.” The study’s success has earned multiple accolades, including recognition from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Planning Association. Beyond trails, Clarkston takes pride in preserving its natural environment. Friendship Forest, an 18-acre wildlife sanctuary, provides a lush retreat within the urban core. “It’s critical for us to maintain an urban forest as we develop,” Mayor Burks emphasizes.“This 106 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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