The Redevelopment Authority is building on this momentum with plans for a façade grant program. “We would help some of the downtown businesses and property owners kind of fix up the front of their places,” explains Dr. Burak, mentioning improvements to awnings, paint, doors and windows. Complementing these efforts is the new branding initiative featuring banners that read “Tallassee, Treasure on the Tallapoosa.” This coordinated approach to downtown development demonstrates Tallassee’s commitment to creating a vibrant commercial center while preserving community character. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Tallassee’s education system serves as both an academic institution and economic driver, with its new 67,000-square-foot high school standing as a testament to community investment. “We do have a very good working relationship with the city, Mayor Hill and the city council are very good about sharing spaces, and our school system and our board are good about sharing spaces with the city events,” says Dr. Brock Nolin, Tallassee City Schools Superintendent. “It’s a great partnership,” he adds,“and we appreciate everything they do.” “The one-cent sales tax that was passed is instrumental in allowing the board to go to the bond market and secure funding to replace a high school that was built by the mill in 1928,” explains Dr. Nolin, “It was well into its 90th year of use whenever it was demolished.” The modern facility, featuring a 644seat auditorium available for public use, represents a strategic recovery from the 2004 mill closure that once supported the school system. “It’s just a good space to have right here in the centerpiece of our community,” he adds. The district has implemented forward-thinking workforce development initiatives to prepare students for local opportunities. “We employed a career coach last year,” says Dr. Nolin, detailing how this position guides juniors and seniors toward workforce entry or higher education. The program includes industry tours and partnerships with Southern Union and Central Alabama Community 168 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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