Revitalizing Tallapoosa’s Historic Downtown

Downtown Tallapoosa is more than just a street lined with buildings — it’s our community’s heartbeat. Every brick, storefront, and sidewalk carries a piece of our history. It’s where families have gathered for parades, where neighbors have met for a meal or a cup of coffee, and where generations of business owners have invested their dreams.

But today, too many of those spaces sit empty. Some buildings are falling into disrepair, while others are underused or locked up. Instead of showcasing the best of Tallapoosa, our downtown has become a reminder of opportunities lost.

That doesn’t have to be our future. With the right leadership, vision, and community involvement, we can bring energy back to our historic district, make it a place where families and visitors want to spend time, and restore pride in the heart of our city.

Why Downtown Matters to All of Us

A thriving downtown benefits every resident — whether you own property, run a business, or simply call Tallapoosa home. Here’s why:

• Economic Growth & Jobs: New businesses in downtown create jobs right here in our community, keep dollars circulating locally, and attract outside investment.

• Tourism & Visibility: A vibrant downtown tells visitors Tallapoosa is alive and growing. It can draw travelers off I-20, fill our restaurants and shops, and showcase our small-town charm.

• Community Pride: When downtown thrives, it becomes the gathering place for festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations. It’s where neighbors connect and families make memories.

• Property Values & Tax Base: Strong, attractive downtown properties increase overall city value. This means more revenue for services like police, fire, parks, and infrastructure — without raising taxes.

  
  

If we want to see Tallapoosa grow responsibly, we must begin with its core — our historic downtown.

My Plan for Revitalization

Revitalizing downtown won’t happen overnight. But with consistent effort, clear priorities, and partnerships across the community, we can make it happen. As Mayor, here’s how I would lead that effort:

1. Incentives for Property Owners

Many downtown property owners face high costs to repair or renovate aging buildings. That’s why I support creating a revitalization fund with grants and low-interest loans to help owners restore façades, repair roofs, update interiors, and keep historic charm intact.

By giving property owners the tools they need, we encourage them to invest in their buildings rather than letting them sit vacant.

2. Boosting Foot Traffic with Events

A healthy downtown depends on people — and people show up when there are things to do. I will work with local civic groups, businesses, and volunteers to expand downtown events like festivals, live music, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations.

When we fill the streets with families and visitors, local shops benefit, restaurants thrive, and new businesses are more likely to open.

3. Balancing Preservation with Growth

We should honor the character of our historic buildings — but we also need to adapt them for today’s needs. That means creating flexible zoning policies that allow spaces to be repurposed into restaurants, coffee shops, co-working spaces, or community venues while maintaining the architectural integrity of downtown.

This balance ensures we preserve our heritage without turning downtown into a museum piece that can’t evolve.

4. Public-Private Partnerships

The city cannot carry this burden alone. By partnering with business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and regional economic development groups, we can bring in resources and expertise. These partnerships can help fund improvements, promote Tallapoosa to investors, and create opportunities that go beyond what city government can provide on its own.

What Revitalization Could Look Like

Picture this:

• A family driving into Tallapoosa stops downtown because it looks inviting, with well-kept storefronts, hanging planters, and lit sidewalks.

• Local residents walk to shops and restaurants in the evenings because there’s music playing and safe, welcoming spaces to gather.

• Small businesses thrive in restored buildings, hiring local workers and giving young entrepreneurs a chance to stay in Tallapoosa instead of moving away.

• Visitors post about their time downtown, encouraging others to discover the charm of our town.

That is the Tallapoosa we can build together.

A Downtown We Can Be Proud Of

Revitalizing our historic downtown is not just about fixing buildings — it’s about restoring pride in who we are as a community. It’s about sending a message to our children that Tallapoosa is worth investing in, worth staying in, and worth growing in.

When we breathe new life into the heart of our town, we strengthen everything around it: our neighborhoods, our economy, and our identity.

With your support this November, I will fight every day to make this vision a reality. Together, we can write the next chapter in Tallapoosa’s history — one filled with opportunity, pride, and growth for all.

With gratitude,

Joe Glass

Candidate for Mayor, City of Tallapoosa

“The Clear Choice for Responsible, Family-Focused Growth.”