Downtown Tallapoosa’s Master Plan: A Vision for Growth and Immediate Action
- Joe Glass
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Tallapoosa’s Downtown Master Plan presents an exciting opportunity to revitalize our community, offering a vision of new businesses, improved public spaces, and a walkable, thriving downtown. But while the plan provides a long-term roadmap, we cannot afford to sit back and wait.
A plan is only as good as the action behind it. Now is the time to take decisive steps to bring this vision to life, ensuring that Tallapoosa remains a place where families and businesses can grow together.
Downtown Business Growth: Removing Barriers & Encouraging Investment in Tallapoosa Master Plan
The biggest strength of our downtown is that 70% of the property owners are local. This means that the people who own these buildings are invested in Tallapoosa’s success. However, many have been hesitant to renovate or lease their spaces due to financial concerns, regulatory hurdles, and uncertainty about demand.
At the same time, business owners—both current and prospective—have voiced frustration over Tallapoosa’s permitting process. Complicated regulations, lengthy approval timelines, and unclear requirements discourage entrepreneurs from opening up shop downtown. The #1 complaint from business owners is that it is too difficult to get started.
Encouraging new businesses to fill vacant storefronts means removing these barriers and offering direct support. The permitting process needs to be streamlined, making it easier for business owners to invest in downtown without unnecessary delays. A dedicated small business support initiative can help entrepreneurs navigate licensing, secure funding, and renovate buildings to create thriving establishments.
Financial incentives, such as tax breaks, grants, and loan programs, should be introduced to encourage property owners to renovate and lease their spaces. If we want our downtown to thrive, we have to make it as easy as possible for businesses to succeed.
Infrastructure & Safety: Immediate Fixes for Long-Term Success
While the Tallapoosa Downtown Master Plan includes transformative projects to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, there are practical improvements that can and should be implemented right away.
Crossing the railroad tracks in downtown is currently unsafe for pedestrians. While long-term solutions are being studied, a temporary fix—such as clearly marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and improved signage—can provide an immediate safety boost.
Parking is another critical issue. As downtown grows, the demand for parking will increase. Rather than waiting for new developments to be built, existing lots can be repurposed, agreements can be made with local businesses for shared parking, and underutilized spaces can be converted into accessible parking areas.
Additionally, improving sidewalks, lighting, and wayfinding signage will make downtown more welcoming for visitors and residents alike. Simple upgrades, such as additional streetlights and pedestrian-friendly crossings, can go a long way in creating a safe and inviting atmosphere for families and shoppers.
Encouraging Mixed-Use Development for a More Vibrant Downtown
A strong downtown isn’t just about retail and dining—it’s about creating a community where people can live, work, and gather. One of the best ways to ensure a thriving downtown is to encourage mixed-use development, where buildings feature storefronts on the ground floor and apartments or offices above.
This approach has been successfully implemented in small towns across the country, leading to increased foot traffic, higher property values, and a stronger local economy.
With the right zoning updates and financial incentives, Tallapoosa can encourage property owners to renovate upper floors for residential or office use. Allowing for live-work spaces will attract entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young professionals who want to be part of a growing downtown community.
By prioritizing mixed-use development, Tallapoosa can create an active downtown that isn’t just a destination, but a neighborhood—one where businesses thrive because there are people living and working within walking distance.
Activating Downtown Through Events & Community Engagement
A revitalized downtown isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people and experiences. Tallapoosa is already home to great events like the Possum Drop and the Dogwood Festival, but there is so much more that can be done to bring people downtown on a regular basis.
Regularly scheduled markets, festivals, and themed event nights can draw visitors while supporting local businesses. Imagine First Friday street fairs, seasonal pop-up shops, food truck rallies, and live music performances in downtown plazas. These types of events don’t just attract tourists; they encourage local residents to shop, dine, and engage with their community.
Beyond events, beautification efforts such as public art installations, murals, and outdoor seating areas will make downtown more inviting. The more appealing the space, the more likely people are to spend time there.
By working together—business owners, residents, and local leaders—Tallapoosa can create a dynamic downtown where people want to gather, shop, and invest.
Holding Property Owners Accountable for Long-Term Success
Vacant buildings are holding downtown back. While many property owners are eager to renovate, others have allowed their buildings to sit empty for years, without making any effort to lease or improve them.
Encouraging redevelopment means using both incentives and accountability measures. Grants and low-interest loans can help property owners renovate their buildings, but there also needs to be a clear expectation that vacant properties will not sit empty indefinitely.
In some cities, property owners who refuse to improve their buildings face vacancy penalties or increased property taxes if their spaces remain unused for extended periods. While these measures should be a last resort, the priority must be on ensuring that downtown properties are being actively utilized.
Bringing new life to these buildings isn’t just about filling empty storefronts—it’s about creating jobs, strengthening the local economy, and making Tallapoosa a better place to live and work.
A Call to Action for a Thriving Downtown
The Downtown Master Plan lays the groundwork for an exciting transformation, but action must be taken now to ensure progress.
Small changes—such as simplifying business permitting, installing temporary crosswalks, expanding parking options, and launching business-friendly incentives—can start making a difference immediately while larger projects unfold.
The vision for downtown Tallapoosa is clear:
A thriving business district, free of unnecessary bureaucracy.
A pedestrian-friendly environment that prioritizes safety.
A vibrant community where people can live, work, and gather.
A downtown that welcomes small businesses and entrepreneurs.
A city that takes action—not just plans for the future.
Leadership that is focused on results—not just studies—will make the difference. Tallapoosa’s future depends on leaders who are ready to act, cut through red tape, and create real opportunities for businesses and families.
Join the Movement for a Better Tallapoosa
Are you a business owner, property owner, or resident who wants to be part of revitalizing downtown? Your voice matters, and together, we can create the future Tallapoosa deserves.
Download the full Downtown Master Plan (Attached Below).
Share your thoughts on what YOU want to see downtown.
Joe Glass—The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth.
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