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Downtown Revitalization in Ashland, Alabama

Ashland’s town square has always been the center of the community ever since the town was incorporated in 1871(Lawless, 2009). The people depended on the shops here because bigger cities were too far away. As transportation has improved though, the Square is not the shopping hub it once was. Shops do not stay open late or on the weekends, and stock can be limited. To add to the issues, the population has been on the decline and average income is low, meaning that the customer base is shrinking and many of the ones living in the community may not be able to afford to shop often (US Census Bureau, 2018). Trade area capture and pull factor demonstrate that, in fact, less than half the county population shop and eat here. It can also be difficult to start a business and maintain the building due to high rents and the current state of some of the structures . Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, I have recommended four objectives that would help Ashland revitalize its square. These objectives are: 1) support existing businesses, 2) support new businesses, 3) organize an economic and business analysis plan, 4) promote community support. The best way to accomplish these objectives is through organizing a Business Improvement District to oversee programs and distribute funds (Knight Foundation, 2021). This paper gives evidence of the need for revitalization through giving qualitative and quantitative details about Ashland and its square and recommendations on how to reach each objective.    

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Retail Trade Area Capture

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Retail Pull Factor

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