Rogersville, in East Tennessee, is a progressive, old-fashioned, down-home community and city down-home community and city leaders plan to keep it that way. Incorporated in 1903, the tiny town of 4,500 has worked hard to protect and preserve the traditional appearance and character of their community while providing new amenities and expansion of services.

The city has invested toward creating a charming town center area along with $6 million to upgrade all of its school facilities, complete an expansive city water line program for under served areas, and develop a full-scale skate park and walking trail system.

Rogersville is home to several historic buildings including the oldest courthouse in Tennessee. The dedication to the preservation of history throughout the community is reflected in the partnership of two entities, the City and Rogersville Heritage Association. The two organizations purchased and renovated The Hale Springs Inn, one of the remaining original hotels in Tennessee.

With the city providing the management and financial backing for purchase and renovation of the hotel, the Heritage Association will continue to operate the structure as a hotel when restoration is complete.

"Many significant accomplishments have been made over the past few years by the unending commitment of the Board of Mayor and Alderman and city staff," said Pat Hardy, MTAS Consultant. "They work extremely well together as a team the general feeling in the community is that there is nothing they can't accomplish together."

The Tennessee Municipal League, in recognition of Rogersville's unlimited vision and successful planning efforts, will present a 2007 Excellence in Planning Award to the city.

The goals of historic Rogersville continue to shine thanks to excellent city planning.