Dalton, Ga., residents aiming to shape their community’s future will meet next week in the second phase of a long-term “revisioning” process.
Two weeks ago, leaders laid out three big ideas for the community’s future and asked locals to embark on implementing those ideas. That presentation was delivered before a crowd of more than 300 at Dalton High School.
Next week, the 100 or so volunteers who stepped forward at the end of that meeting will meet for the first time, said Melissa Lu, a University of Georgia Archway Partnership professional who is in Dalton to guide the process. So far, the community input has been good, she said.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit www.daltonwhitfieldcommunityvision.com or call 706-483-2028.MEETINGSEconomy meeting4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16Dalton Utilities AuditoriumEducation meeting6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16Dalton State College, Brown Center, Room 301Environment meeting7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18Dalton State College, Brown Center, Room 105ON THE AGENDAUnder three big ideas, Dalton’s revisioning effort will address 12 goals over the next year.EDUCATION* Understand and support the needs of a growing Dalton State College.* Increase community awareness of existing technical programs and job opportunities.* Work to integrate high school career education with higher education.* Partner with our education entities to identify the top strengths and weaknesses of each segment of local education.ECONOMY* Determine the future needs of existing industries and companies and focus educational content on tomorrow’s high-need areas.* Embrace and advertise our “green” culture by identifying and showcasing our environmental initiatives.* Identify our innovators and entrepreneurs and nurture their success.ENVIRONMENTIn 2010-2011, we will:* Partner with the Downtown Dalton Development Authority to develop downtown along North Hamilton Street.* Partner with City Council to implement streetscape improvements.* Work with impacted citizens to determine specific transportation needs.* Support local government in efforts to obtain grant money for greenways.* Inventory and assess financial impact of local arts and cultural opportunities.Source: The Archway Partnership
“I feel really good about who has come forward and the progress we’re making,” Lu said.
The revisioning effort will address education, the economy and the environment. Under each of those so-called “big ideas” are specific tasks the community should complete to accomplish the overarching goal, Lu said.
Despite widespread thunderstorms and tornado warnings across the region two weeks ago, Lu said the turnout for the unveiling meeting was brisk. But anyone who missed the meeting still can take part in future efforts.
“I’m hearing that there are a lot of people who want to be a part of it, but they didn’t sign up last week,” Lu said.
The committee aims to make Whitfield County the economic engine of North Georgia and to make it known for education and its environment, according to materials distributed by the committee last week.
Under each “big idea,” community members have set goals to accomplish over the next 12 months. It’s the goal of each group that’s meeting next week to find ways to implement those tasks.
Newcomer Tim Larkins signed up to help with environmental improvement efforts. He said he wants Dalton to exploit its natural infrastructure as Chattanooga has.
“I came … because I liked the idea that it wasn’t going to be just 10 people sitting around deciding the future of Dalton,” said Larkins, who moved to Dalton with his family eight years ago. “We like it here, but we also go to Chattanooga to enjoy a lot of what they have. We’d like to have some of that here, too.”
Contact staff writer Adam Crisp at acrisp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6323. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/adam_crisp.