In order to last long, small towns need to embrace change and development. This task can be quiet difficult. There are some small towns that become motivated by just one thing and they hold on to it for several years. After so long, they finally realize that they need something else in order to keep up. This process of change is something worth studying because it teaches us how societies grow and transform in order to keep pace with the rest of the world.

Let us take for example the little town of Hoquiam, Wa. It’s a town that is known for its logging and lumber industry without much real estate developments. The town makes money from the rich forests that surround it.

Keeping up with tradition, the town celebrates a yearly international event called the Logger’s Playday that includes logging competitions as well as a parade. While it holds on to its rich history and heritage, it must also learn to give way to change.

If you have ever been to the place, you will notice that an interesting part in the area is its expansive waterfront that stretches downtown. This part of the town has not been used much since the 1980s with no real estate developments in the area. Rumor has it that major real estate developments are being planned for the waterfront. Local townsfolk believe that this change will somehow help shape the town’s local culture while at the same time boosting tourism. Because of these, the town will not only be known as a logging and lumber town.

If you will recall, real estate developments that focused on waterfronts have once been popular. However, since the 1980s, real estate developments have been focused elsewhere. The decision in reviving their waterfront will have to be thoroughly decided mostly because of tax issues since its local government will be the one to pay for it.

On a similar note, local townsfolk will also have to play a role in the decision making process especially because it involves major real estate developments while at the same time affecting local culture. The decision of real estate developments in the area is something that is not taken lightly.

In order to grow, small towns will have to accept change to conform with modern times. Using the town as an example, its nearest rival is the neighboring city of Aberdeen. Over the years the two have had some friendly competitions. But because Aberdeen is a larger city, most of the local state development as well as budgets are given to it. Because of this, there is not much a small town can do. However, if it stands up and transforms itself into a larger town, with more real estate developments, then it will be giving Aberdeen some major competition. The friendly rivalry that has been going on between the two towns will become more interesting.

It is important to hold on to history and heritage in order to grow. However, change also has to be embraced. Small towns should not be afraid of change, in fact, they should embrace it in order to survive.

Wade Entezar explains how Hoquiam considers the past and grows up.