LEESBURG, Ga. (WALB) — City leaders are prioritizing the Depot District as part of Leesburg’s Comprehensive Plan, with a focus on encouraging commercial growth and attracting more visitors to the downtown area.

Farmers market, America’s 250th among planned events

Downtown development leaders say they are addressing that goal by bringing more events to the area. Community interest in a farmers market has already been gauged after an online post was shared more than 200 times. Leaders are also planning a celebration for America’s 250th birthday.

Downtown Development Authority Chairman Jim Quinn said the city’s investment in events strengthens the overall downtown economy.

“You’ve got to spend money to make money,” Quinn said. “And we believe that the city putting money into the events, that the community coming together, coming to town, spending money downtown, it would be a good investment, a good return on investment. We want to grow downtown. We want to get more people coming to the shops downtown shopping, not just for lunch but all day long and every day, not just for events. We want downtown Leesburg [to be] your destination to come to.”

Strategy targets young professionals

Part of the growth strategy includes attracting young professionals to the downtown area, according to City Manager Bob Alexander.

“Yes, part of the strategy for growth is to attract a bunch of young professionals into the downtown area and generate enough folks that really have excitement and amusement type things for the young folks in the downtown area,” Alexander said.

Leaders are also exploring an alcohol license that would allow beer and wine to be served at downtown events.

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