Community Development: Quality Of Life

Overview

The City of Decatur has long held the belief that a healthy community provides the foundation for a successful economic development program. Placing the protection of our community's character first and working to nurture a strong sense of community have been at the center of Decatur's planning efforts for at least the last 40 years. It is no accident that Decatur retains its small town character even though it continues to experience healthy growth and development. Strategic development plans dating back to the 1960s call for the protection of Decatur's sense of place. The 1982 Decatur Town Center Plan, which still directs the city's downtown development program, outlines goals and policies designed to protect small town character with balanced growth and development. 

Decatur's Strategic Plan adopted in 2000 continues this tradition. Clearly stating goals designed to protect Decatur's character and providing direction for continued growth and development, the Strategic Plan provides direction for the city's work program for the next decade. 

Decatur is currently working to fulfill the goals of Strategic Plan 2010. To see the latest steps along this process check out decaturnext.com.