PLACE MAKER
tors, alike. Through a team of local professionals, the Thriving Communities program, sponsored by the Lyndhurst Foundation, will leverage LaFayette’s artistic and cultural assets to spark economic vibrancy and growth from within.
The LaFayette Thrive team will learn strategic approaches to build on this revitalization. Through development of a dynamic plan, they hope to make the city a more attractive place to live work and invest.
The program seeks to spark community vibrancy and locally driven economic development by leveraging the Thriving Region’s unique arts and cultural aspects. Its goal is “to ignite responsible an inspired growth in the greater Chattanooga region over the next four decades.”
That begins with each community examining where it is, what assets it has, and where it wants to go. It includes harnessing and making the most of economic opportunities and means providing “educated people with good jobs living in a great place.” In short, it means ensuring that the local economy is strong enough to ensure that everyone who wants employment can find jobs here.
Other cities accepted into the Thriving Communities creative placemaking program for 2019 are Bridgeport, Alabama, and Dayton, Tennessee. Cities and towns from a three-state, 16-county region are eligible to apply with teams representing various backgrounds and roles within their communities. The teams are selected by a committee of professionals in the fields of urban planning, arts, culture, and philanthropy.
“Each of these teams exhibited a strong desire to build upon their unique strengths and to leverage the input and talent of their local citizens for long-term growth and prosperity,” said Bridgett Massengill, President and CEO of Thrive. “We are excited to bring these three communities into the growing network of Thriving Communities across our tri-state region.”
City Manager David Hamilton said, “This is the beginning of a 10-month exercise, and we would love and encourage continued community engagement in future events.“
The LaFayette, Georgia A Thriving Community group can be located on Facebook. Future community events will be posted on two websites: LaFayette Thriving Community and LaFayette Downtown Development.