Business View Civil & Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 11

126 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 In a time when vehicles and smartphones intensify human disconnection, being able to walk or bike conveniently through your town is essential for being connected to the community itself. When it comes to walkability or even the ability to bike around Douglasville, Hampton recognizes there are challenges in certain areas. She admits, “We are trying to work to improve that. We do have a bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee and a bike and pedestrian plan.” While it will take time and capital to get there, Hampton believes Douglasville will get to a point where it is indeed walkable. Douglasville is a Main Street City – proud to promote small businesses, entrepreneurship, and startups, with everyone benefiting thanks to their existing partnerships in the community. As a member of the Main Street initiative for 20 years, Douglasville is always following the guidance set forth by the program. Today, many older buildings downtown are being bought to do a town green project, in addition to partnering with Mill Creek Development to create multifamily housing and commercial development. Hampton says, “We have a lot going on downtown as far as revitalization and we do have a historic preservation commission and a historic district. We operate very traditionally from that standpoint and are invested in those programs.” Weeks adds, “We are planning an outdoor amphitheater on that location as well. And the city had removed an old jail that was in the downtown area there. So, we have removed what most felt was a pretty big eyesore. And we are turning that into something that’s going to be pretty outstanding.” In the way of new development, many major companies are headed to the Douglasville region – ranging from Bang Energy to Microsoft. A talented workforce is no problem given that Mercy University and Georgia Highland have satellite locations in the area, while