During the recent Lubbock County Commissioners Court meeting on April 14, 2025, Lacey Beasley, president of Retail Strategies, presented a proposal aimed at revitalizing downtown Slaton through a comprehensive work action plan. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly those struggling with vacant properties and stagnant growth.

Beasley emphasized the importance of practical, actionable strategies over traditional, lengthy planning processes that often result in studies gathering dust. Her firm specializes in working with rural areas across the nation, and she highlighted successful projects in nearby communities like Plainview and Snyder. The proposed plan for Slaton is designed to be implemented within nine months, focusing on 20 to 30 specific initiatives that can yield immediate results.

The revitalization strategy is built around four key pillars: policy and administration, design, tourism and promotion, and economic vitality. Beasley explained that the approach includes working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that initiatives are tailored to the community's unique needs. For instance, she discussed the potential for enhancing storefronts, improving public spaces, and organizing smaller community events to draw people downtown.

The financial investment for the first year of the project is proposed at $45,000, with subsequent years costing $25,000 each. Beasley noted that this investment is aimed at fostering long-term partnerships and ensuring that the revitalization efforts are sustainable.

The discussion also touched on the importance of continuity in leadership and the need for ongoing support as community dynamics change. Beasley’s firm has a strong track record of retaining clients, indicating the value of their collaborative approach.

Overall, the meeting underscored a proactive step towards revitalizing Slaton's downtown area, with hopes that the proposed plan will not only enhance the local economy but also improve the quality of life for residents. The Commissioners Court will consider the proposal further, marking a significant moment for Slaton's future development.