Business View Civil and Municipal | March 2021

75 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL MARCH 2021 MI LLBROOK , ALABAMA County initiative prior to COVID, but it became a priority when the pandemic created an increased need for people to work, study, and connect with others online. As Cary Cox, Executive Director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, reports, “We were mapping out where we had broadband and where we did not. We did a comprehensive study for the whole county. That study was being used to further broadband, specifically fiber, in the areas that needed it. The project was on going and then COVID hit and we went immediately to phase three. After consultation with Elmore County Board of Education, we strategically installed hotspots around the county and activated them as quickly as possible. We feel Elmore County is ahead of the game on broadband.” The City of Millbrook has also assisted in the effort by establishing hotspots in various locations throughout the community for use by those whose rural location makes working or studying difficult due to connection issues. The Alabama Community College System consists of more than 20 colleges, several of which are close to Millbrook, adding to the appeal of the city. “The beauty of Millbrook is all about location for us,” says Harper. “We are so close to everything. It might not be right in the middle of our community, but as far as our proximity to colleges, universities, hospitals, and airports, they are just minutes from us. That puts us in a very desirable position. You can be close enough, but you don’t have to have it right in your backyard.” After moderate growth over the past decade, Millbrook is once again seeing an influx of residents, creating a need for additional housing. Developers are working to meet this demand, with more than 300 new single-family residences are in the works for 2021. According to Mayor Kelley, “Things have picked up again, our retail is picking up tremendously, and the housing starts are coming back. It’s the idea that Ann Harper, Economic Development Director & Mayor, Al Kelley