Building a Sustainable Economic Future
How infrastructure, education and strategic planning are transforming this former mill town
Nestled along the Tallapoosa River, the historic mill town of Tallassee, Alabama, straddles two counties, Elmore and Tallapoosa, blending small-town charm with ambitious revitalization. Once defined by its industrial roots, the city has pivoted toward diversification, ecotourism, and strategic investments.
“We are an old mill town, but we are a heavily industrial town now,” says Mayor Sarah Hill, underscoring the shift. Recent years have brought transformative projects, a streetscape overhaul has revitalized downtown, a state-of-the-art high school has risen with community-backed funding, and the Tallassee Industrial Development Board is courting six major investments.
Meanwhile, the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin anchor a growing ecotourism appeal, from championship fishing teams to kayaking trails. With a rare population uptick and leaders focused on “small, but dedicated growth,” as Hill describes it, Tallassee is crafting a future that honors its past while embracing opportunity.
The Heart of the Community: Downtown Revitalization
Tallassee’s downtown revitalization represents a strategic investment in the city’s economic future. The transformation began with essential infrastructure work, “as we were walking into that project, we saw an opportunity to realign a lot of our utilities that were in the downtown area, we focused on the downtown utility relocation first, then we followed that up with the streetscape,” Hill explains. This TAPS grant-funded project addressed aging infrastructure while creating a more attractive business district.
The demolition of the historic Hotel Tallassee, though significant to longtime residents, created valuable community space. “Although we were sad to lose the Hotel Tallassee, I think being able to congregate in that lot now is actually very helpful,” says Hill. The new green space has already hosted successful events. “We had a big Easter egg hunt out there a couple of weeks ago with 10,000 eggs, it attracted quite a few people,” adds Dr. Steven Burak, Chairman of the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority.
The improvements are driving tangible economic results. “Since the downtown streetscape project was completed, there has been a surge of interest from business owners,” notes Hill. “I think that if you build it, they will come. We’ve settled all of the old utilities that were not quite up to par, and we’ve been able to refocus people to that area. The small businesses opening down there have realized that Tallassee is open for business,” she adds.
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 644-seat 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 Colleges, where students can earn credentials in heavy equipment operation.
Vocational training continues to expand based on market demand. “We’re converting one of our business technology departments into a second agricultural science department because we have so many students that are interested in our greenhouse production,” Dr. Nolin notes, citing successful partnerships like the aquaponics program with Auburn University. “Our students were the top producers in the state in that research program,” he adds, demonstrating how education aligns with regional economic needs. These efforts create a talent pipeline for local employers while offering students clear pathways to careers.
Industrial Growth and Economic Diversification
Tallassee’s industrial base continues to evolve while maintaining its manufacturing roots. The city’s two largest employers remain key economic anchors. “GKN Aerospace makes airframe and engine structures,” notes Hill, while Dr. Nolin adds that Neptune, operating in Tallassee for nearly 50 years, “sells water meters worldwide.”
The Tallassee Industrial Development Board is actively pursuing expansion opportunities. “We are currently working on six different major projects of investment into the city of Tallassee,” Hill explains. “The city is very hand-in-hand with the IDB, trying to ensure that our community is one of the top considered for any new projects in the state of Alabama.” While not all may materialize, she confirms the city is “a finalist in a couple of different ones,” including expansions among existing automotive suppliers.
Hill acknowledges growing interest in new sectors, stating, “I have had some discussions on renewable resources,” though noting the community hasn’t yet secured tech or battery manufacturing operations as of yet.
This industrial growth creates workforce housing challenges. “Tallassee is kind of a little untraditional in that we have a lot of rental housing that is available,” Hill observes. The city is actively working to address this need, “we are very close to getting some new housing developments started,” she adds.
The Redevelopment Authority is also exploring options, with Dr. Burak noting they could work on “redeveloping residential properties” including potential downtown conversions to apartments. “It hasn’t been a big push at this point, but it’s certainly on the radar,” he confirms.
Ecotourism and Recreation
Tallassee’s natural assets along the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin are becoming key drivers of economic and community development. The city has strategically leveraged these resources to enhance both tourism and resident amenities.
The riverfront has seen significant investments, including a riverwalk completed 15-20 years ago, while Dr. Burak reveals plans to further capitalize on these assets. “We’re currently working on some brownfield grants… we have an old railroad bridge that connects both sides of the river just below the dam.” The proposed conversion to a bikeway and walkway would create both a recreational asset and practical connector between communities.
Youth sports programs demonstrate the successful activation of these natural resources. “We started a fishing team through the Alabama State Bass Angler Association about five years ago,” explains Dr. Nolin. The program has achieved remarkable success, “we’ve won a couple of state championships and had several of our kids move on to fish at the University of Montevallo and Faulkner University, they’ve won scholarships through recreational fishing and fishing in tournaments,” Dr. Nolin adds. These achievements not only showcase student talent but also reinforce Tallassee’s growing reputation as a destination for outdoor sports.
Leadership’s Vision: The Road Ahead
Tallassee’s leadership team maintains a clear, strategic vision that balances infrastructure investment with preservation of community values. “The city has put millions and will be putting millions in terms of updating all of our infrastructure,” says Hill. “With a 90 to 120 year old background of a mill town that’s been obviously a really big issue over the years is ensuring that our water, our sewer and our gas are all up to the highest standards for our community,” she notes, highlighting the particular challenge of modernizing systems in a historic town. “Now that we’ve kind of gotten those puzzle pieces in place, we can now build on that foundation.”
For Hill, this progress must maintain Tallassee’s character. “I moved here about 26 years ago and I have fell in love with the community,” she reflects. “I’ve raised both of my kids through the same school that I graduated from in 1999. That continuity…keeping this as a family oriented place is one of the best, but we do want to see some of that growth so that we can compete with some of the other areas that are experiencing a lot more growth than us.” Her vision targets “small, but dedicated growth” over the next 14 to 24 months to remain competitive while preserving what residents cherish.
This balanced approach thrives through collaboration. As Dr. Nolin notes, “we have several members in our community that serve in different aspects. It really helps with continuity and just having a seamless vision toward moving forward.” From infrastructure upgrades to education partnerships, Tallassee’s leadership demonstrates how strategic planning and community values can work in concert.
A Model of Strategic Reinvention
Tallassee’s transformation from a historic mill town to a dynamic, diversified community demonstrates the power of strategic public-private partnerships. With significant investments in downtown revitalization, education infrastructure, and industrial development, the city has laid the groundwork for sustainable growth. “We have seen an increase in our population,” notes Hill, signaling renewed confidence in Tallassee’s future.
The community’s balanced approach, embracing progress while preserving small-town character, creates unique opportunities. From the new high school serving as a community hub to the Redevelopment Authority’s adaptive reuse plans, Tallassee maximizes existing assets while pursuing innovation.
The city stands ready for its next chapter, a community truly “open for business” and positioned for smart, measured growth.
AT A GLANCE
Who: City of Tallassee, Alabama
What: A historic mill town transforming through strategic downtown revitalization, workforce education programs, and industrial expansion while preserving community character
Where: East of Montgomery Alabama
Website: www.tallasseeal.gov
