Sparta, North Carolina
Project Overview
In the Spring of 2022, the Town of Sparta was successfully awarded a $99,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) in July 2022.
Atlas has been hired to develop a Strategic Economic Development Plan for the Town of Sparta in order to update its previous plan from 2015-2020. This will build off of the action plan completed by Atlas in early 2022, which included Housing, Workforce Development, and Amenity Creation.
- Assess existing demographic, economic, and socioeconomic conditions for the Town of Sparta and Alleghany County compared to three peer communities, North Carolina, and the United States;
- Engage key stakeholders and the broader public to solicit input related to community economic development issues;
- Evaluate key trends and challenges related to economic development, workforce training and education, small businesses and entrepreneurship, and tourism for the Town of Sparta and Alleghany County;
- Identify priority projects and initiatives to pursue over the next 5-10 years; and
- Prioritize best practices, funding opportunities, and strategies for economic development and growth.
Key Focus Areas:
- Public Infrastructure & Transportation
- Workforce Development
- Small Business & Entrepreneurship
- Arts, Culture, & Tourism
Project Timeline
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Phase I: Public Engagement | August 2022 – February 2023 |
| Phase II: Community Assessment | March – mid-April 2023 |
| Phase III: Strategic Economic Development Plan | April – June 2023 |
| Phase IV: Implementation Technical Assistance | July 2023 |
Contact
If you have questions about this project or would like to learn more, please reach out to the project manager.
About Atlas Community Studios
Atlas Community Studios is a boutique firm composed of a diverse group of creative problem-solvers and entrepreneurs seeking to advance the economic prosperity of communities across the country. Leveraging more than 65 years of combined experience spanning both the public and private sectors, the Atlas team specializes in strategic planning, economic development, community engagement, funding strategies, and creative placemaking. The project team’s portfolio of work includes 54 action-oriented plans and technical assistance provided in communities across 24 states and one Canadian province.