From Rural Small Town America to Quasi-Urban Living
In September of 2021, BlueOval City development was officially announced to the world. This $5.6 billion dollar investment project is a joint venture between the American automobile producer Ford Motor Company and Korean holding company SK Innovation . BlueOval City will feature: 3,600-acre campus built on the Memphis Regional Megasite , which would cover almost 6 square miles; create approximately 6,000 jobs; and produce Ford’s next-generation electric F-Series pickup trucks as well as advanced batteries for Ford and Lincoln EVs, once fully operational in 2025.
Stanton, and by extension Haywood County, stand to benefit greatly from this development. With a population of under 450 people, Stanton expects to see its numbers potentially triple by the time the BlueOval campus is fully operational in 2025. Though Ford promises to create many employment opportunities, many Stanton residents are excitingly anticipating the new businesses which may invest in the area due to Ford’s presence. Ford’s economic impact in Tennessee, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group , includes supporting 18,000 direct and indirect jobs state wide, and contributing to the state GDP approximately $1.8 billion. The prospect of not only a diverse job market, but the existence of restaurants and recreational sites are a welcomed thought for residents.
As Stanton looks to the future, they are taking steps towards ensuring the transition, from rural small-town America to a quasi-urban life, is an informed, and smooth one. Both county and the town’s government have taken the initiative to employ the expertise of Urban and City planners to conduct community impact and feasibility studies. These events are designed to have an inclusive input, from both residents and leadership, about the best path forward for the town and county alike.