In 2023, the city of Bangs in rural west-central Texas (pop. 1,600) was considering how to make the best use of a long stretch of property it had recently annexed, in a way that would align with the values of the local community and meet its needs for increased housing and commercial activity. The Heartland Association of REALTORS® brought a vital infusion of economic development expertise to Bangs by securing a REALTOR® Party Transforming Neighborhoods assessment. A top-tier team from The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) Consulting Corps was sent to evaluate the area, delivering an in-depth analysis of local real estate opportunities and actionable strategies for revitalizing the downtown area
The project has not only spurred growth activity; it has elevated the profile of REALTORS® as committed community partners throughout a six-county region, says Laura Tilley, Executive of the 190-member Heartland Association of REALTORS®. “As a REALTOR® board, this is one of the most consequential things we’ve been able to do.”
When she first learned about the program, Tilley was encouraged by colleagues in Peoria, Illinois whom she’d contacted to hear about their experience. “Our president and advocacy chair and I sat down with the city manager and the mayor to brainstorm about our goals for the city and for this project. We were very lucky that these officials were absolutely on board and recognized the incredible value that the CRE consultation would bring to the community. Once we made sure we were all on the same page, we were able to run with it.” The NAR Community Outreach team worked closely with her as she put the application together.
The project began with several video interviews in which the CRE team met with Tilley, some of her officers, and the city administrator to further define what they hoped to accomplish. The biggest challenge, she says, was setting up the twenty-five interviews with local stakeholders that would take place during the team’s five-day visit to Bangs in October 2023. She managed to corral business owners, the local ‘engaged Facebook crowd’, city leadership, the police chief, leaders from local youth groups and churches, and a couple of REALTORS®, including the board president. “A neighboring small city lent us a van and driver to facilitate touring during the visit, which was a great help,” notes Tilley. “It really was a group effort, and we’re making sure that we’re finding ways to reciprocate and share what we’ve learned.”
The CRE team toured the area, conducted their interviews, examined market data, and reviewed prior city plans for developing a long, narrow property fronting the main highway that the city had reclaimed. Its report addressed city infrastructure; the recently annexed property; business, commercial, and downtown investment; and housing and community-building. Its recommendations included moving forward with developing the annexed property; articulating a vision for the downtown area, including placemaking and developing a business incubator; improving community communications; installing branded gateway and way-finding signage; and encouraging residential variety.
In the past year, reports Tilley, Bangs has made great strides forward using the guidance of the CRE report. For the annexed property, the city envisions a development of twenty-five 12K-15K square-foot housing units at a price point just below the threshold of affordable housing, with a park and fitness course backing the existing elementary schoolyard and a front commercial development. The city has approved a septic system, and a draft performance agreement for prospective developers is in review. It is also planning artwork for high-visibility signage throughout the town. A local business owner is opening a restaurant. The city has also hired a new code enforcement officer, and a new grant writer, and is generally working to remove obstacles to the revitalization effort.
“By leveraging the power of the CRE study, our association has been able to make the kind of impact you’d expect from a much larger board, says Tilley. “Our members are so excited. I keep hearing, ‘Wow! We didn’t know we could do this!’”
To learn more about how the Heartland Association of REALTORS® is working to increase investment and commercial activity in Bangs, Texas and other communities in its six-county jurisdiction, contact Association Executive Laura Tilley at heartlandaor@gmail.com or 325.200.2862.
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