EUPORA
Legend has it that the workmen who constructed the steps on Dunn Street in downtown Eupora were inebriated and installed them upside down, creating the very steep, narrow-footed and – let’s just say it – infamous High Side steps. True or not, the steps are one of the most distinguishing characteristics of downtown Eupora, Mississippi. And also a very unique mark of the character of this small town. Once one of the most industrialized areas in the country with one of the largest manufacturers of wood furniture in the world, Eupora was hard hit by the exporting of factory labor and product distribution that started in the late 1990s. But, as this town has demonstrated every day, no matter how steep the incline or narrow the footing, Eupora climbs the steps.

NEWTON
Newton, Mississippi is “Our Great Small Town.” This year, Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA), along with the West Alabama East Mississippi (WAEM) regional economical development initiative, presented a design charette in a town hall setting that reignited the community. This was a turning point for Newton that started the revitalization of the core downtown. Since the design charrette, several local developers are making dreams come true in the downtown area. There are many exciting developments going on downtown that will bring visitors and locals opportunities that have not been available in the past. Downtown Newton is the true definition of revitalization!