The City of Smithville is way ahead of some of the newer cities in one important respect: our downtown was developed during a time when pedestrians ruled and mixed use was ubiquitous. Many newer cities must expend many resources to recreate what we already have. This section describes the qualities of the downtown area, which has been able to maintain its position as the center of the community in part because Highway 71 has not yet been over developed near the entrances to the City. The goal of the downtown area is to become a true destination that serves residents and visitors alike and will attract people from across the region to spend time and money in Smithville. The Plan identifies several opportunities, including: • Encouraging retail development on Main Street, • Establishing design guidelines, • Improving pedestrian amenities downtown, • Holding more events downtown, • Redeveloping Ramona Street, and • Identifying funding opportunities to pay for improvements. In the fall of 2008, a group of the downtown merchants organized the Smithville Business Association (SBA), which has been working to meet several of these recommendations. Their motto, “More feet on Main Street,” is an indication of their interests in developing the downtown area. In 2009, SBA sponsored a July 4 kid and bike decoration contest and parade, an Old Car Club Event in September, and an “Airing of the Quilts” in November. They also have worked in conjunction with several other organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and the Lost Pines Artisans’ Alliance. They believe that a vibrant downtown is the heart of a thriving historic city and is an important engine for economic health of the entire community.