Small towns are fun to visit, drive through, and grow up in. There’s a lot we could learn from them, even when it seems like they enter limbo. Many small towns today struggle to find ways to strengthen their communities. Young residents fit into this narrative well. Let’s revamp the old history with something new. Our guide on ways to revive a fading small town might give you some ideas.
Improving the Town’s Image
Fewer career opportunities and ways for families to grow in their community can cause populations to dip in small towns. Plenty of communities struggle to maintain their image, so it’s essential to make some changes before welcoming new residents.
Since the rise in work-from-home opportunities, some communities have taken the chance to improve their community by creating better housing for their residents and opening more businesses in their downtown areas. A rural area can improve its towns by enforcing better safety measures, bringing in more family-friendly businesses, and providing better housing for citizens.
Working Toward a Greener Environment
Some towns fail because of their appearance. Even near cities, small towns have lost control over the amount of litter sitting along the roads. A community-wide cleanup day can bring residents together to clean and make their town beautiful again.
A cleaner appearance brings in more prospective residents. Organize a community cleanup day and refresh the community with a better environment for everyone to enjoy. Try focusing on bodies of water and parks to enhance your community’s appearance.
Creating a Better Local Power Structure
Governments change all the time in local communities, but the strongest are the ones that have leaders that promote change all the time. When welcoming new people to town, don’t pressure them to join committees or other organizations. Instead, provide local activities that don’t limit others from joining or have eligibility requirements. Communities have many different opinions, so it’s best to focus on setting up groups that look to act instead of arguing.
Fighting the Shift in Economics
Smaller economies can’t develop without a flow of business. The best way to build a strong economy is by opening up your town to other businesses, such as artisans, small food companies, and manufacturers. When the opportunity to bring in a business presents itself, consider it and discuss the potential success their company can bring to the neighborhood.
Overall, communities change daily. However, residents can make a positive change by implementing strategies to restore a small town. Many towns rebuild—start with this list to see what helps your town grow stronger.
