In separate interviews with Tab Bowling, the mayor of the city of Decatur, AL, and Crystal Brown, CEO and president of the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce, each shared the same enthusiasm for economic growth in their downtown area and the county.
Bowling, a lifelong resident of Decatur, said as a youth he had a desire to serve his community. He was involved in the Boy Scouts, Decatur Jaycees, Decatur Rotary Club, and on the Parks and Recreation Board. Before he became mayor, he worked 30 years for Hagemayer North Alabama industrial wholesale distribution where he served as an account representative. He sees his job as the mayor of Decatur as one comparable to that of a pastor of a large church; he sees it as a “calling.”
Brown said that her parents encouraged her to become civic minded, get involved in the community, leave it a better place to live, and utilize her time and talent. She also believes that, “to whom much is given, much is required, Luke 12:48.” She sees the opportunity to serve on the Chamber as an honor and to give back to the community.
“Downtown Decatur is the heart of the city,” it creates, “a sense of place,” for existing and new residents,” Brown said.
Bowling also views the downtown as the center of the community because it is the county seat. This area is important to the growth of a city. Decatur, Alabama is such a place where growth in commerce and living accommodations meets and will boost revenue.
Bowling said that building resident halls for the students who attend The Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) is a means for bringing more educators to the area. These facilities would also provide affordable housing to many who may not be able to live in the area. During his six years in office he has seen the budget increase from $55 million to $73 million.
Brown, who has served on The Alabama Community College System Boards, said that the partnership between Athens State University and Calhoun Community College has helped to create an “arts-based economy” downtown.
She also stated that in addition to the new residence halls, there are other plans to convert vacant spaces in the city to living spaces because people are eager to live in downtown Decatur.
A new hotel and parking deck are also in the works.
“This will bring more foot traffic to downtown, whereby; visitors and local residents will have access to nearby attractions, eateries, and shopping,” Brown said.
A brewery has opened, along with numerous eateries, shops, and professional businesses in the downtown area.
Bowling discussed the COVID-19 economy and its direct impact on some businesses downtown. One such business is the Cooks Museum of Natural Science, the seventh largest of its kind in the nation. Because of the hands on approach for students and other visitors, the museum was closed for a while and revenue was lost, but lately has reopened and begin to see a return of customers.
“Decatur businesses benefit from the surrounding residents in Morgan County, and offers essential services to places like Trinity and Priceville,” Bowling said.
The city sales were not impacted like larger cities that depend on retail sales for instance, Bridge Street in Huntsville, Alabama.”
Both administrators agree that the downtown growth has not ended ,but has extended outside the city limits and into Morgan County as well. They stated that more than 1,000 new homes are planned or under construction throughout the city and county.
Brown stated that “in order for this growth to continue, incentives must be offered.” The Morgan County Economic Development Association works with prospects and existing industrial partners on incentives and abatements. It is important that residential and retail developers know that infrastructure is a priority for their growth.
Bowling said at this time he does not anticipate more events downtown such as 3rd Fridays, but that does not mean that more will not be added in the future. He would like to see this economic growth continue.
