Georgia’s Renaissance Cities by Georgia Trend
Stories by Candice Dyer, Patty Rasmussen and John W. McCurry
The following is an excerpt from the article.
Hinesville: Successful Partnerships
For a city that’s actively pursued downtown revitalization for little more than eight years, Hinesville is proving an apt pupil. In 2004, the city created the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority as part of a comprehensive plan for the city. Vicki Davis serves as executive director. She says a recommendation made by two county commissioners serving on the board in its early years, locating a new county government building in the downtown historic district, laid the groundwork for successful downtown revitalization.
“Keeping that building in the walkable district, the historic core, was the greatest thing they could have done,” Davis says. “Our government services, police station, fire department, city hall, justice center and historic courthouse serve as the anchor there.” The historic core, complete with retail shops and restaurants, greenspace and sidewalks, has become an attraction and a meeting place for people in Hinesville and nearby Fort Stewart, an integral part of the Hinesville community.
Because of Hinesville’s proximity to Fort Stewart, the city wisely takes advantage of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Military Zone Tax Credit, a boon to small business development in the downtown district. “If new jobs are created (within designated boundaries), it’s $3,500 dollars per year the business can take for five years, with just a minimum of two jobs,” says Davis. “That’s a huge incentive for a small business owner.”
Hinesville also had a formal relationship with Fort Stewart from 2007 until 2010, through the Army-Community Heritage Partnership Program developed in part by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The partnership was specifically put in place to develop the downtown area for the betterment of the military family and the community as a whole,” Davis says. “As a result we routinely have receptions, activities and events for the leadership of the military and civilian communities throughout the year. Attendance at all our events by our military has increased significantly.”
Events like the Small World Festival, seasonal and holiday events and a weekly farmers market draw participants from both communities, military and civilian. And it’s having the desired effect. “Bringing people to downtown for our events has made them more aware of the small businesses in that walkable district,” Davis says. “It has a snowball effect. They come for the events, they see the businesses and they want to know what other businesses are there. They begin to shop local.” – Patty Rasmussen
