NCLM Southern City Volume 71, Issue 2, 2021

NCLM.ORG 41 The Town of Farmville finds itself thriv- ing. New businesses, improved quality of life, and a robust arts scene—their situa- tion is not due to luck, but rather is the steady payoff of a long-term strategy. No single event or development defines Farmville’s current standing. Rather, it’s best viewed as a full picture, which reveals a series of prudent investments that play up the town’s priorities and cre- ate an ever-increasing quality of life. “We’re building a town that’s desirable,” said City Manager David P. Hodgkins. “Growing, but not rapidly. A place where people of all ages want to live, where they can have fun, where they can shop and eat out. We want to be a pacesetter.” In the Town of Rutherfordton , through partnerships with the Towns of Ruth , Spindale , and Forest City , along with Rutherford County, they have success- fully worked to transition 13.58 miles of rail line into the Thermal Belt Rail Trail—a scenic thoroughfare lined with trees and stunning views of the foothills winding through historical sites and main street stopping points of interest. Following the footsteps of the railroading past and honoring the rich industrial history, the trail promotes wellness and supports economic prosperity. It has become a staple of the community, especially during pandemic times. The City of Albemarle , investing in both infrastructure and human capital, also reveals the value of partnerships. Recently, Albemarle formed a partner- ship with Pfeiffer University to bring two newly established graduate programs to downtown. The result? The City was able to acquire the property Pfeiffer desired for the location of a new Health Science Building, which then became host to the school’s Occupational Therapy and Phy- sicians Assistants programs. The newly constructed three-story complex opened to students this past September. It has benefitted downtown, benefitted local businesses, benefitted the university, and benefitted the city as a whole. In the Town of Midway , investments in open spaces and recreational facilities have yielded significant results for the community. The most recent work began with a groundbreaking in June 2019. In the time since, Midway has completed walking trails and playground facilities, and many elements of the parks features are emerging and already being enjoyed by members of the community and guests. Talk of Our Towns We’re building a town that’s desirable . Growing, but not rapidly. A place where people of all ages want to live, where they can have fun, where they can shop and eat out. We want to be a pacesetter . » David P. Hodgkins , Town of Farmville City Manager continues on page 42