with it. “It’s not all sunshine and roses every day here in Hagerstown,” he admits, acknowledging the difficulties many regional municipalities face. However, the city’s progressive approach and supportive elected officials allow Hagerstown to mitigate challenges and expand its offerings. HAGERSTOWN’S NEXT CHAPTER Hagerstown’s continued evolution will hinge on the city’s preparedness for the challenges and opportunities ahead, while focusing on sustaining and building upon the progress made thus far. Thompson sees the city moving into a new phase of development. “I think we’ll soon shift from redeveloping downtown to managing the success of that redevelopment,” she says, hinting at a future where the city’s primary focus will be maintaining the vibrancy and vitality the revitalization efforts have brought. Nicewarner echoes Thompson’s sentiments but adds that one of the city’s biggest challenges will be modernizing its older structures.“The challenge is making an old city new,” he explains. Much of Hagerstown’s charm lies in its historic architecture, but ensuring those buildings can be adapted into modern amenities is crucial to attracting people to live, work, and play downtown. The housing crisis remains a key issue for Hagerstown, as it does across much of the country. Nicewarner acknowledges the pressure but feels optimistic 238 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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