It's been a long process in the making, the revitalization of Downtown Amarillo.
While the city still has several hurdles to cross, officials say we've made leaps and bounds from where the city was just five years ago.
Now other cities, like Midland, are calling on Amarillo's leaders for help and suggestions.
It wasn't but five or six years ago that Amarillo was starting the process of revitalizing downtown.
While we still have a long way to go, city officials say it got a successful start. Now Midland city leaders are asking for our help.
"We're a success story and we've taken it slow, we have done it we think the right way. We brought in the right people to help us, we have done everything we can to keep the public informed and have their input,"said Jim Simms, Amarillo City Commissioner.
Four Midland representatives were in town Friday to discuss that issue with Downtown Amarillo Inc., the TIRZ Board, The Local government Corporation Board, and the City Manager.
"Probably one of the biggest things that we talked about was the process and the different entities and what each of the entities do and what their role is. It wasn't just what we're doing, but how did we come about doing it and what was the process for doing it," said Melissa Dailey, Downtown Amarillo Inc. Executive Director.
"The fact that we have been creative enough that it's not going to cost any tax money. It's a big, huge public private situation," said Simms.
Dailey says Midland's city leaders left with excitement and a better idea of how to go about working on their downtown.
Meantime, an update on our revitalization, Dailey says they're working on getting contracts finalized. Once that's done, a schedule of construction will be made public.
