A Vision for Growth in Leesburg
Leesburg, located in Lee County, Georgia, is undergoing a transformation that could position it as a “Boom Town” in the coming years. While many counties in Southwest Georgia have experienced population decline over the past decade, Lee County has bucked the trend, with only eight other Georgia counties growing at a faster rate. This growth has sparked interest in the future of Leesburg and its potential to become a thriving community.
Revitalizing Downtown Leesburg
The vision for downtown Leesburg is clear: to create a golf cart-friendly community that reflects the charm and functionality of places like Suwanee, Georgia. Leesburg City Manager Bob Alexander emphasizes the importance of a vibrant downtown, stating, “Having a good downtown is the soul of your community, and it’s real important to have a viable downtown.”
To achieve this, city leaders are focusing on renovating existing buildings, adding more amenities, and expanding the courthouse with the support of county officials. These efforts aim to attract new residents, especially young people, who are looking for communities that offer both convenience and quality of life.
Lessons from Suwanee
Suwanee, often cited as a model for successful urban development, has seen significant investment and growth through its Town Center. Marty Allen, Suwanee’s City Manager, highlights the impact of this development, noting that since the town center’s inception, nearly $200 million has been invested in surrounding areas. This investment is directly tied to the success of the Town Center.
Suwanee’s Town Center started as 23 acres of land and has expanded to nearly 80 acres of mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, municipal, and recreational spaces. This approach mirrors Leesburg’s plans for its own downtown area.
Allen encourages Leesburg to embrace its unique journey, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and bold decisions. He notes that Suwanee itself was not always the community it is today, but through evolution and commitment, it became what it is now.
Expanding Beyond the Downtown Area
Beyond the downtown revitalization, Leesburg is also planning to develop more residential and mixed-use properties. This phase of planning involves gathering input from the community to ensure that the developments meet the needs and desires of local residents.
City leaders invite residents to share their feedback on what they would like to see in downtown Leesburg. Your input can help shape the future of the community.
Staying Informed
For those interested in following the latest news and updates about Leesburg and other developments in South Georgia, there are several ways to stay informed. You can follow local news sources on social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, downloading the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play offers access to the most up-to-date information.
If you have a news tip or notice an error that needs correction, please reach out to the local news team. When contacting them, be sure to include the article’s headline in your message.
As Leesburg continues to evolve, the community remains focused on creating a vibrant, sustainable future that benefits all residents. With careful planning, community involvement, and a commitment to growth, Leesburg is well on its way to becoming a model for small-town development in Georgia.
