Atmore officials announced Monday that they will partner with representatives from Smart Growth America this month as part of a free, grant-funded technical assistance program. This workshop seeks to provide local officials and community leaders with the necessary strategies to help position Atmore for long-term economic growth.
Atmore residents are invited to join the workshop's first evening for an introductory public presentation on planning for economically and fiscally sustainable communities. The event will be held Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Escambia County High School Auditorium, located at 1215 S.Presley St.
"Receiving this workshop is a testament to Atmore's forward thinking and visionary leadership," said John Robert Smith, Senior Policy Advisor at Smart Growth America.
"Atmore should be very proud to be included as one of just six communities across the country participating in the program. We're excited to help them examine their economic and fiscal choices to make sound decisions for the future."
The Planning for Economic and Fiscal Health workshop draws on successful private and public sector lessons to help local leaders foster development patterns that cost Atmore's taxpayers less to build, run and maintain.
At this workshop, invited participants will talk about how development decisions can save money for local governments, make money for businesses and support Atmore's long-term fiscal and economic health. Using an interactive and hands-on method, the workshop will show how to apply these lessons in Atmore.
The workshop's presenters from Smart Growth America have decades of experience in working with communities like Atmore and both are former local elected officials.
"This is a first for Atmore and I am excited about the long term benefits we will receive from the workshop. I encourage our citizens to participate in the community meeting on the 19'h and learn how this effort will help us grow in both short term and long term projects," said Atmore Mayor Jim Staff.
The program, made possible through a Rural Community Development Initiative Grant awarded to Smart Growth America by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development, seeks to develop local planning solutions that help communities grow in ways that benefit families and businesses, while protecting the environment and preserving a sense of place.
Smart Growth America, the workshop presenter, envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient.
As a national leader in the field, Smart Growth America has accumulated extensive experience working with communities to help them use land strategically, make the most of existing resources and invest strategically to catalyze private development.
For additional information visit http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org.
