Community development in Alabama
Rural communities have a chance.  This profile of the mayor of Thomasville, Alabama points out some things that are helping this rural community thrive.
Context: “Census data shows Thomasville with 4,209 residents and a low family poverty rate of 13 percent compared with 25 percent for the whole of Clarke County and 19 percent for Alabama.”
Points:
  • “…broad cooperative spirit.”
  • “…focus on developing the local workforce.”
  • “…copying Tupelo’s health-care model.”
This isn’t an overnight success. Notice in the article he has been mayor for 20 years. Great things come over time.