We spoke with Sarah Haston, TCEcD Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Lebanon, to chat about some of the most impactful projects in the city, including new retail hubs and community improvements. Sarah shared insights into how the City of Lebanon is supporting businesses and residents as it continues to grow, highlighting key initiatives like the revitalization of shopping centers, beautification efforts, and upcoming developments. She also discussed the importance of supporting the local economy and how every dollar invested helps enhance the quality of life in Lebanon.
What are up to three projects you are most proud of accomplishing in Lebanon?
When Mayor Rick Bell was elected in 2020 for his first term, economic development was a priority for him as he heard from citizens they wanted more retail and restaurant options.
I think the three economic development projects I’m most proud of working with the Mayor, Lebanon City Council, and the City of Lebanon Departments are Publix’s on Hwy 109, which has become a retail hub and a significant sales tax generator for the City; the revitalization of the Western Plaza Shopping Center that includes Marshall’s, Ross, Five Below, Ulta, and Buff City Soap, Shoe Encore, Fire House Subs, Tropical Smoothie Café and Hangry Joe’s; and finally, we worked hard to attract Sam’s Club and Target for the Hartmann Drive Corridor that will continue to produce opportunities for economic growth.
Mayor Bell and I have had numerous visits with small businesses and large corporations that are eying Lebanon in the next few years. Lebanon is a destination for new retailers and restaurants, and we are proud of the work that improves the quality of life for residents in Lebanon.
Over the next four years, Mayor Bell and I are working on several codename projects that will continue the economic development success we have experienced. Lebanon is a wonderful place to live and work, and the next few years will be exciting with the new opportunities ahead!
What are some of the key initiatives and projects the City of Lebanon is focusing on to support its growth and improve quality of life for residents?
The City of Lebanon has a 2040 Comprehensive Plan highlighting initiatives on how the City will look. Mayor Rick Bell recently announced that we have accomplished more than 150 goals in that plan, but much more must be done.
First, we have added more than 30 new regulations on developers that will improve residential and commercial building standards we can all be proud of. Secondly, the Lebanon City Council recently approved a city-wide beautification project that will improve the aesthetics of our community. As we continue to improve standards for private development, it is imperative that we also enhance the look of our public spaces. This beautification project will help our overall identity, characteristics, and branding. This initial investment in key areas will improve aesthetics, lead to further improvements, increase economic and community development, and allow everyone to take pride in our City. Finally, we have completed a Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will feature additional parks and greenways.
We have almost completed the new Lebanon Sportsplex (Phase 1), which includes five new soccer fields. Additionally, the Mayor recently announced that he will begin designing Phase 2, which will include new baseball and softball fields, in his second term.
Why is it important for residents to support local businesses, and how does it impact the city's growth and services?
Investing in our local economy is vitally important. The more you can purchase locally, the more we have to invest in public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure projects, and schools. The three primary sources of city revenue are property taxes, developer fees, and sales taxes. That is why Mayor Bell, and I have worked hard to increase economic development opportunities for quality of life and additional sales tax revenues to support city services.
“Shop Local” is more than a slogan; supporting local businesses and keeping sales tax dollars in the City is essential. When we are supporting small businesses, we are supporting our friends, neighbors and those who support us all year round.
Anything else you would like readers to know?
We both absolutely love our jobs and Lebanon is our passion. We both really want what is best for Lebanon. We both agree it’s a challenging job, but at the same time it is extremely rewarding. It’s a magical moment when someone thanks you for their job that they love, and they work at a company we recruited here. And it is a wonderful place to raise a family. Mayor Bell was born and raised here, but when my husband and I moved here, we had a two-year-old and a six-month-old who are now 17 and 15. Lebanon is home!