Building Community Through Partnership: Meet Jacob Bouie of Clarkston
When Jacob Bouie describes Clarkston, his enthusiasm is contagious. “Almost every two steps you take in Clarkston, that’s like a different language that can be spoken,” he explains, referencing the city’s remarkable diversity, with over 17 different languages spoken across one of Georgia’s most multicultural communities.
As Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Clarkston, Jacob brings an unconventional background to his role. With a degree in Biological Sciences and a double minor in Chemistry and Spanish, his path to economic development wasn’t traditional. But it’s precisely this unique perspective, combined with his genuine passion for community service, that makes him such an effective advocate for Clarkston’s businesses and residents.
From Mississippi to Georgia’s Most Diverse City
Jacob’s journey to Clarkston began with a career pivot. While working in medical project management in Mississippi, he discovered his true calling: supporting businesses and fostering community development. “I honestly had, like, a heart change with what I wanted to do,” he recalls. “I definitely wanted to be more involved with community stuff based around businesses.”
That realization led him to apply for economic development positions across the region. When Clarkston offered him the opportunity, it proved life-changing. “I feel like I’ve grown so much as a professional since being in Clarkston,” Jacob says. “Just being introduced to such an intimate and beautiful, diverse town, to speak to the people that I get to wake up and serve every single day, it’s so refreshing.”
Wearing Many Hats in a Small City
In Clarkston’s Community Development Department, Jacob’s role is anything but one-dimensional. On any given day, he might be meeting face-to-face with local business owners to understand their resource needs, coordinating with the Downtown Development Authority, championing placemaking initiatives, or serving as a bridge between small businesses and the support systems they need to grow.
“I’m one of those people that wears multiple hats,” Jacob explains. His work spans from boots-on-the-ground business outreach to planning and zoning coordination, from permitting to code enforcement support. He also plays a crucial role in bringing art and culture to Clarkston’s public spaces, a passion project that has transformed the city’s landscape over the past year and a half.
One project Jacob is particularly proud of is the international mural installation at Clarkston Library. The project wasn’t just about creating beautiful public art; it was about giving community members a sense of ownership and belonging. Youth and residents were invited to participate in the installation, painting their names onto the walls. “People here that are living in Clarkston can come back now and say, ‘I was part of this. My name is here. I remember when this was installed,'” Jacob shares.
The Power of Partnership
Jacob credits partnerships as making his work possible, particularly his partnership with Decide DeKalb, the economic development authority of DeKalb County.
“I tell people all the time, Decide DeKalb is one of the most important resources for economic development in DeKalb County,” Jacob emphasizes. “I think it’s very easy for people who are here to try to reinvent the wheel, and you have people who are highly experienced, highly educated, who have these wheels that we don’t have to reinvent.”
For a small city with limited economic development staff, having access to Decide DeKalb’s expertise and resources has been transformative, he says. Jacob maintains regular contact with the Decide DeKalb team, calling on them for guidance on everything from workforce development to business outreach strategies.
“I feel like I would not be who I am or know some of the things I do know now, if it was not for the staff and the programming that happens at Decide DeKalb,” Jacob says. “They have a very powerful impact with their partnerships. Their hospitality is through the roof. I can call on a random day to ask questions about everything.”
This collaborative approach helped make the Business Resources 101 event, where Decide DeKalb partnered with the city to bring valuable resources directly to local business owners earlier this year, a success. For Clarkston, known for being a resettlement town for newcomers to Georgia with many businesses owned by recent immigrants, events like these are essential.
“Given the identity of Clarkston, our businesses reflect that,” Jacob notes. “We have a lot of 501(c)(3)s here to help support the immediate needs of residents. But in regards to business support, economic development, we don’t really have this. Having a day [reserved] for these people to show up and share their resources, not only to city staff and new people to Clarkston, but to the business owners who can directly benefit, is more than impactful.”
Jacob’s excitement about Clarkston’s future is infectious. The city’s Downtown Development Authority recently received acceptance into Georgia Tech’s Economic Development Research Program, where they’ll develop an official vision and branding strategy. As the primary liaison to the DDA, Jacob sees this as a crucial step in shaping intentional, community-centered development.
“Before one is able to move forward, you have to have a vision. You have to have plans. You have to know where to go,” he explains. The partnership will help the DDA become more strategic and aggressive in their approach to development while maintaining the character that makes Clarkston special.
Jacob is also passionate about making Clarkston even more sustainable and walkable, with plans to incorporate more public art along the city’s trails. “Any chance to get to be outside touching grass, I love,” he says with a laugh.
Most importantly, Jacob wants people to know that Clarkston is on the rise. “Clarkston has grown at a rapid pace,” he says with a competitive gleam. “We’re living up to our motto: ‘Where possibilities grow.’ And it’s only getting better.”
Jacob’s story demonstrates the transformative power of strong partnerships. Decide DeKalb is committed to supporting economic development professionals and businesses throughout DeKalb County. Whether you’re a municipal economic development professional seeking guidance or a business looking to grow in DeKalb County, Decide DeKalb is here to help.
Contact Decide DeKalb today to learn how we can support your economic development goals.