Townsizing
Exploring Laurel with Ben and Erin Napier
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Quick takeaways
- Revitalizing small towns requires actively engaging the community, forming organizations like Laurel Main Street to work on economic restructuring and attracting new businesses.
- Living in a small town offers unique benefits, such as stronger connections with neighbors, a greater sense of belonging, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
Deep dives
Revitalizing a Small Town: The Power of Community Engagement
Revitalizing small towns requires actively engaging the community. Ben and Erin Napier from Laurel, Mississippi, understood this concept when they returned home after college and started renovating historic buildings. By forming Laurel Main Street, they worked on economic restructuring and attracting new businesses. Though faced with vacant buildings and limited support initially, they persevered. The secret ingredients for a thriving small town include finding people who are passionate and willing to invest in their community. It's not just about young creatives; lawyers, doctors, teachers, and service organizations are equally crucial. Identifying the town's niche and marketing it effectively can create a unique identity to attract visitors and boost the local economy.
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