EORGIA STRATEGIC Y In a state where only three cities have achieved Border Region Retail Tourism Development District status, East Ridge is Tennessee’s most successful example of strategic economic transformation. The 8.3-square-mile city bordering Georgia has generated nearly $800 million in sales tax growth since receiving its designation in 2011, earning the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Award from the Tennessee Municipal League. With a population of 22,034 and median household income of $55,988, East Ridge has reversed decades of sales tax leakage across state lines through innovative financial incentives and targeted business development. Mayor Brian Williams attributes the City’s turnaround to a focused approach.“Economic development is the driving force that has turned the City of East Ridge around. We’ve been able to achieve numerous new 164 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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