warehouse operations, and businesses there benefit from an excise tax incentive,” she explains. The area is already home to companies like Sprocket, which specializes in manufacturing and other small-scale production and healthcare businesses. Proximity to I-285 is a major selling point. “You’re less than half a mile from the highway,” the mayor emphasizes. “That makes it ideal for shipping, with easy access for trucks to get products in and out quickly.”The city is targeting industries interested in “micro-manufacturing,” which Mayor Burks describes as a good fit for Clarkston’s size and infrastructure. “Our location makes it convenient for businesses that need efficient logistics but don’t require a massive footprint,” she adds. On the residential front, Clarkston is tackling two major challenges: affordability and accessibility. “We’re in a unique position,” Mayor Burks says.“While our area is still affordable compared to Decatur or Tucker, we’re starting to feel some of the rising costs.” Clarkston’s population density—7,000 residents per square mile—signifies its high concentration of apartments, with over 4,000 units already in the city. 108 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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