Early County 2055 Project
The community enjoys an event organized by Early County 2055.
Early County 2055, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is working with the people in the towns of Early County, Georgia — Blakely, Arlington, Jakin and Damascus to preserve the area's rich history, improve the quality of life, help business grow and prosper, and create quality jobs. An exciting economic revitalization project — called EC2055 — is moving forward at full speed. It is the result of a generous gift from the Charles and Catherine B. Rice Foundation that is funding the first steps of a long term effort to help preserve the areas valuable history and culture, while building the framework for a diversified economic structure and master strategy for the future.
The vision for Early County 2055 and the major steps needed to achieve the vision are the product of an intense community charrette week that took place in the spring of 2006. Town planners, architects, artists, economists, and strategists came together to collect the ideas and dreams of area residents and shaped the results into a 50-year Master Economic Development Plan.
An ongoing community effort
The community is working together to implement this Master Plan for growth and prosperity. The project is focused on 1) developing a long term vision that builds on the existing strengths of the community, 2) crafting a physical plan that will help the community realize the vision, and 3) generating a successful course of action for executing the plan.
The efforts of Early County 2055 are particularly focused on attracting diverse, new industry to the area as well as targeting families, individuals, and retirees looking for small town living with quality schools, low crime, good health care, and friendly neighbors.
EC2055 is working with private and public leadership to maximize the existing assets, strengths and opportunities of the region and be a catalyst for growth and development.
Initiatives in progress include:
- Modifying existing zoning ordinances to encourage walkable, mixed-use, sustainable neighborhoods and easy destination access.
- Expanding and improving policies governing transportation and land use planning.
- Renovating historic Blakely Square.
- Providing affordable housing to neighborhoods in Early County through land acquisitions and federal grant dollars.
- Providing incentives to attract new industry and inviting relocation of new business.
- Integrating modern regional broadband technology into the region.
- Drawing up plans for new construction in towns in Early County.
- Partnering with universities and state agencies to provide workforce education and training.