Growth in downtown Decatur benefitting small business boom [Video]

DECATUR, Ala. — Over $40 million of investment has gone into downtown Decatur redevelopment, including the addition of parking and student housing.

Still, small businesses remain a staple in the area, and this growth is good news for them.

“2024 was one of our best years yet for development,” said Kelly Thomas, Executive Director for the Decatur Redevelopment Authority. “We had over $47 million in new development completed. We’ve got over $30 million in new development in progress that’s still coming.”

Notable openings include the Fairfield Inn and the Decatur Municipal Parking Deck. Thomas says that during this new development, many small businesses have also opened their doors.

“We really try to support our small businesses in downtown Decatur. We know that they’re the heart of our community,” Thomas said. “They’re our neighbors. They’re the people that live and work with us every day. And they’re the ones who actually support …