Dear Editor,
Traditional, incremental small-town development offers long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits that far exceed the short-lived gains of largescale industrial projects or big box retail stores. One of the clearest advantages is in terms of value-peracre. Studies from cities big and small across the U.S. have consistently shown that small-scale, mixed-use buildings, like those found in historic downtowns, generate significantly higher tax revenue per acre than large-footprint developments like big box stores. Even a modest two-story building with local shops and apartments can produce 10 to 100 times more tax value per acre than a sprawling retail chain surrounded by parking lots. This means more funding for local services without needing to raise taxes.
Beyond revenue, incremental development strengthens the fabric of rural communities like Jones County. It allows for growth that respects the area’s character including its open spaces, farmland, and historic charm rather than replacing it. Local ownership thrives under this model. Small-town main streets nurture entrepreneurs and family-run businesses who invest their profits back into the community, rather than sending them to out-of-state corporate headquarters. These businesses tend to hire locally and offer more permanent jobs that aren’t as vulnerable to sudden closures or relocations like those often seen with large industrial employers or chain stores.
Moreover, traditional development aligns better with environmental and infrastructure goals. Smaller, walkable developments reduce the need for car travel, preserving air quality and reducing road maintenance costs. They also make use of existing infrastructure rather than requiring expensive new roads, utilities, and services to support large-scale projects.
This approach to development also aligns strongly with core conservative principles such as fiscal responsibility, local control, and stewardship of resources. Incremental, small-town growth is a financially prudent model that avoids the long-term liabilities and infrastructure debt often created by subsidizing large-scale industrial or commercial developments. It empowers local entrepreneurs rather than relying on outside corporations, keeping decision-making and economic power close to home. Moreover, it respects and preserves the land, honoring the rural traditions and community heritage that many in Jones County hold dear. By prioritizing self-reliance, strong local economies, and careful use of public resources, traditional development reflects time-tested conservative values rooted in sustainability, independence, and respect for place.
In short, by building incrementally and supporting local businesses, Jones County can preserve its rural identity while creating a more resilient, self-sustaining economy that benefits residents now and for generations to come. It’s just a thought.
Sincerely, Dustin K. Riley
