A key asset to attracting industry, visitors or residents to any city is that location’s appearance.

Selma, sadly, is lacking in litter cleanup and proper disposal of household items.

Selma Mayor George Evans recognizes the need for a good cleaning on a regular basis. He’s grappled with the situation through the nearly three years he has been in office.

First came the razing of dilapidated property and mowing of grass on neglected lots. But that on the city’s part can go only so far as the money goes. Selma’s coffers are not full.

About a year ago, Selma voters approved a bond issue that allowed $50,000 for each ward to eradicate dilapidated property and to improve infrastructure. The properties have begun to come down in each ward, but this is a process.

Legal notices, postings of advertisements to notify property owners and scheduling of work all take time. This portion of cleaning up Selma is an ongoing process.

Lately, Evans and the Selma City Council have taken a more aggressive and noticeable approach to cleaning up the city.

First, Evans has promised clean-up days every quarter. People may pull household furniture, trash, yard trash and other items to the curbs on these designated days for a free pickup by the city’s trash truck.

The city held one of these already, and the clean-up day was successful. Yet, Evans has seen the need for a more regular event. The next is July 10.

Additionally, the city will begin placing trash trailers at key locations in each of the city’s wards each month. This action begins in July in Ward 8. The trash trailers will stay in their locations for several days, allowing citizens to dump unwanted items with the exception of electronics, appliances and hazardous materials, among other things.

On Tuesday, Evans ask council members to appoint block captains in their wards to ensure clean streets in every location. Council members agreed. This, too, is an ongoing process.

Government can do only so much, however. The keeping of our city’s streets and landscapes is up to the residents here.

It’s time for residents here to accept the responsibility of keeping Selma clean and litter free.

As we improve, so will our self-image. As our self-image improves, so will our attractiveness to others.