The population surge brings opportunities and challenges. While new residents contribute to the tax base and economic vitality, they also require expanded infrastructure and services. Mayor Jeffers, who previously worked with Buckeye Home Medical before becoming mayor in 2016, has focused on infrastructure improvements that support sustainable growth while preserving the small-town character that remains central to Huntsville’s identity as a community where traditional values thrive alongside modern amenities. BUILDING A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT Huntsville’s approach to economic development showcases how rural municipalities can leverage demographic data and strategic planning to attract businesses despite modest population numbers. Mayor Jeffers implemented a targeted retail strategy shortly after taking office, focusing on sustainable growth matched to community needs. “When I first became mayor in 2016, I attended a retail strategies conference that was basically state funded,” he explains. “It was site specific and used different demographics of various companies and organizations to determine our median household income and what businesses would survive in our small community. It created a profile we could present to prospective businesses so they could see what we offered.” The patience and persistence behind this data driven approach has yielded impressive results. In recent years, Huntsville has welcomed nine new commercial buildings housing diverse enterprises including financial advisors, a Mexican restaurant, laundromat, Family Dollar Tree, doctor’s office, pharmacy, district attorney office, a state-of-the-art gym and telecommunications services. A daycare center is under construction, with larger chain stores potentially on the horizon. “It has taken quite a few years, but the word has slowly gotten out there,” says Mayor Jeffers.“Apparently we are doing something right.” 121 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 HUNTSVILLE, TN
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