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Kristy McCormally

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without the right tools. To build anything—whether it’s a house, a movement, or a revitalized downtown—you need more than just inspiration. You need a hammer, nails, a tape measure, a flathead screwdriver, and most definitely, a carpenter’s pencil. In other words, you need a toolbox. And this year, downtown got one.

The establishment of the Downtown Advisory Commission (DAC) in 2024 was the perfect constellation of action, accountability, and engagement. For the first time, eleven citizens with experience and vision—representing key roles within our downtown community—joined city officials in a transparent process, embracing expectations and enforcement to drive real change. It’s easy to feel inspired or to dream of what could be, but inspiration alone doesn’t get the job done. Tools do—and that’s what the DAC provides.

The DAC became more than just a group; it became a facility for action. Its purpose is clear: to identify issues, propose solutions, and ensure that such matters are brought to the attention of City Management and the City Council.  It’s about raising the bar for downtown. Existing ordinances that once collected dust are now being enforced. Gaps that previously seemed insurmountable are being bridged with practical, actionable steps.

But meaningful change isn’t the job of the DAC alone. To ensure downtown continues to thrive, it’s our responsibility to stay informed by paying attention to City Council agendas, reviewing meeting minutes, and speaking up—whether at meetings or through phone calls and emails. We have a voice, but if we don’t use it, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Suffolk is a big city, but downtown remains its heart. Like every heart, it needs care, attention, and cooperation. The DAC proves that meaningful change isn’t a one-person job. It requires the city and its citizens working together, using every tool at their disposal—whether that’s a conversation with your City Council representative, city departments such as Community Development or Planning, or even a simple follow-up call.

As we look ahead to 2025, perhaps the most important tool we need to wield is collaboration. Main Street is filled with diversity—of people, businesses, and ideas. It’s what makes downtown vibrant, but it’s also what makes cooperation essential. Listening, compromising, and holding one another accountable is a challenge we must all embrace, whether we’re business owners, investors, residents, or city officials.

So, what do we want our downtown to look like? The answer lies in our ability to work together. It’s not about erasing differences but finding common ground to create a downtown that reflects the best of Suffolk—a place where diversity isn’t just acknowledged but celebrated, where problems are met with solutions, and where the heart of the city beats stronger with every small effort we make.

2024 was the year we found the toolbox. Let’s make 2025 the year we use it to build a downtown we’re all proud to call our own.

Find important information and contacts for the City of Suffolk visit https://www.suffolkva.us/.