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Writer's pictureAnthony Scaffeo

How do we make small towns thrive?


In order to make small towns thrive, it's necessary to remember that there are many factors such as leadership, the social environment, institutions, local government, and education. However, it's also important to realize that these factors must be in balance for a community to thrive.


Leadership


"Leadership" is the most important factor for a small town to thrive. The leadership of a small town will affect all other factors and can determine whether or not a small town thrives. Leadership in a small town varies between organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, local government, and organizations that are trying to promote the interests of their members. All these different groups have their own form of leadership that they have to put in place to make things happen in their community. It's important for each of these groups to work together to make their community thrive.


Social Environment


In order to make small towns thrive again, it's necessary to start with the social environment. This means that the people are not having any problems or any issues going on in the community. It's also important for a community to have healthy, happy members who are able to be productive.


The circumstances in a small town can greatly change if the social environment of a community is not very good; this can make it much harder for the community to thrive.


Social Institutions


In order to make small towns flourish again, there are a few things that need to be done. Some of the main things that would make small towns thrive again are new social institutions. The social institutions in a community will help to determine how the whole community functions. As previously stated, without these institutions the small town can be much more difficult to run. If there are any institutions left in decline it is important to fix them up and bring them back up to par. The importance of these social institutions is vital for the success of a small town.


Local Government


Another thing that needs to be done is fixing up the local government. In order to help a community prosper and flourish this is one of the most important parts of any community. It is necessary to have a properly functioning government that will make sure everything in the community runs smoothly.


Education


Lastly, one of the most important things for any small town is education. Education is the most important part of any community. Through education we are able to learn how to go about doing things and make better-informed decisions; this will make it easier for our communities to thrive. The importance of education in a small town cannot be overstated. Providing adequate and appropriate educational programs will provide residents with the essential skills required to successfully navigate their lives in a small town.


7 Factors that make a town thrive


The goal of a small town is to make it thrive again. There are seven factors that make a town thrive:


1. A thriving town: A thriving town is an inclusive town where all members of the community, regardless of background, can participate and contribute. A thriving town has a story to tell. This can be achieved by understanding: what is special about this place, what are the stories its people share, and what makes this community a great place to live and grow.


2. A thriving town is known for something. People know that their community is a place where something happens. This can be anything from good food to great music to a world-class museum.


3. A thriving town has a place for people. A thriving town provides places for people to gather and enjoy life together – cafes, coffee shops, meeting rooms, restaurants, and pubs.


4. A thriving town engages its citizens. Citizens are involved in their communities in ways that they find meaningful and rewarding. Citizens are offered opportunities to serve on boards, commissions, and committees. They are active in civic organizations, philanthropic organizations, and cultural activities.


5. A thriving town has assets that other towns would like to have. A town may have a special park, library, hospital, or academy for the performing arts. Maybe it's the quality of its schools or its downtown merchants or the cost of living.


6. A thriving town is known for doing things well, people know that there are many things that make this place a great place to live and work.


7. Things are done well. A thriving town is compact, the entire community is connected and vibrant because of how much it has in common with each other.


All of these factors are important in making towns thrive, but when they come together in balance, they create a foundation that attracts people and businesses alike.


So the next time you visit your hometown, take some time to look around. Check out how your town is doing. Look for ways that it could be better. Small towns don't need to be perfect -- but they do need to be working toward a future of growth and sustainability.

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