LONGVIEW, Texas — Five months ago, a straight-line wind storm caused major damage in Longview. While the city is still recovering, community efforts proved essential to the city's progress since the storms.
"We did sustain a whole lot of property damage here in Longview," City Councilwoman Kristen Ishihara said. "And what I think is amazing about those times is that you see the community really come together."
Longview Mayor Andy Mack says it was people's pride in their city that helped it recover so quickly.
"That kind of thing is a neighborly thing to do and that's what we did. We did it in such a great way that it just makes me so proud to live in Longview, because, you know, it doesn't have to happen that way," Mack explained.
In the months since the storm, the city opened an arboretum and a new Dollar General distribution center, adding jobs to the city's economy.
"We had a really big year with the bond passage, all the projects that are starting," Ishihara said.
Ishiara also cited major projects to improve the city's parks systems as well.
Mayor Mack says he expects the city to continue to trend upward in 2020.