Revitalize 62966 is implementing a practical action plan through creative placemaking, a people-centered approach to building strong, vibrant communities. The project’s goal is to help Murphysboro achieve economic and population growth through the creation of catalytic projects.
In 2018, we held community input and visioning sessions with a diverse group of residents, providing the foundation for identifying the projects that comprise Revitalize 62966. Conversations focused on identifying current community assets, what we need to attract and retain the next generation, and how we can boost and provide economic development opportunities.
Further input was provided through countless one-on-one interviews and small group sessions with key stakeholders, as well as conversations with the Steering Committee members.
The following projects were determined as the top priorities to be addressed by this plan:
Special thanks to the local supporters who made this project possible.
| Name / Organization |
|---|
| Elizabeth Smysor Foundation |
| Murphysboro Tourism Commission |
| City of Murphysboro |
| First Bank & Trust of Murphysboro |
| Admiral Parkway Development – Joe Koppeis |
| Murphysboro School District #186 |
| Murphysboro Main Street |
| 17th Street Barbecue – Mike Mills & Amy Mills |
| Penn Aluminum |
| Egyptian Electric Cooperative |
| Sharon & Mike Jones |
| Paula & Scott Maloney |
| Brooke & Ryan Guthman |
| Joni Beth Bailey | Joni Beth Bailey Law |
| Molly Blew | Molly’s Pint |
| Dan Bost | Jackson County Board / Bost Trucking |
| Lily Cook | Oasis Skin Care |
| Mike Cripps | First Bank & Trust |
| Bob Davenport | Realty Central |
| Brad Fager | Fager-McGee Commercial Construction* |
| Aurora Flowers | Murphysboro High School |
| Noah Fritsche | Real Church |
| Jamie Green | Murphysboro Main Street |
| Brooke Guthman | Egyptian Electric Cooperative* |
| Reverend Joe Hoem | Immanuel Lutheran Church |
| Mike Jones | Genl. John A. Logan Museum |
| Shirley Krienert | Oak Street Art |
| Scott Maloney | Jackson County Abstract & Title |
| Amy Mills | 17th Street BBQ |
| Tamiko Mueller | Jackson County Board / New Beginningz Realty* |
| Dillion Rushing | Chamber of Commerce / Martel’s Pizza |
| Will Stephens | City of Murphysboro |
*Member of Jackson Growth Alliance
Alchemy Community Transformations’ model of economic development utilizes the principles of PLACEMAKING to improve the quality of life for a community, help grow its population, and attract development opportunities. These proposed priority projects were selected with the vision of revitalizing Murphysboro through CATALYTIC PROJECTS surrounding the downtown area as the cultural hub of the community.
Since resources are limited, it is the intent of this plan to recommend projects that can be implemented in a two- to five-year time frame as catalysts for further development. For those reasons, there were a number of additional projects that were considered, but ultimately didn’t make the final cut. Go to Next Steps to learn more about future potential projects.