Columbia County Approves Foundations for the Future Plan

New comprehensive plan replaces Vision 2035, designates tech and industrial zone near I-20 exit

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Columbia County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Foundations for the Future comprehensive plan, replacing the previous Vision 2035 plan. The new plan includes designating the area around the I-20 Appling-Harlem exit as a technology and industrial zone, sparking concerns from some longtime residents about the area's future development.

Why it matters

The Foundations for the Future plan will guide the county's development over the next five years, impacting everything from infrastructure to land use. The designation of the I-20 exit area as a tech and industrial zone is a significant change that could bring more growth and economic activity to the region, but also raises concerns from residents about the pace and direction of development in their community.

The details

The comprehensive plan was developed over the past year with public input through surveys and community meetings. While the plan covers a range of topics, the primary focus of public questions and concerns has been on the placement of new data centers in the Appling area. Two data center projects have already been approved for the region, despite objections from some longtime residents who are worried about the impact on the character of their community.

  • The Foundations for the Future plan was unanimously approved by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on February 18, 2026.
  • The previous Vision 2035 plan is being replaced by the new Foundations for the Future plan.

The players

Columbia County Board of Commissioners

The governing body of Columbia County, Georgia that unanimously approved the Foundations for the Future comprehensive plan.

Connie Zaun

A longtime resident of Appling, Georgia who has watched the area change over the years as fields have been replaced by development.

Whitten Holley

Connie Zaun's son, also a resident of Appling, who views the area as his "forever home".

Doug Duncan

The chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, who acknowledged the plan includes space for potential future development.

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What they’re saying

“I watched the fields that I picked blackberries in as a child turn to parking lots. And over the years, it's changed a lot.”

— Connie Zaun, Longtime Appling Resident (WRDW)

“This is not just a piece of land to me. It's my home. It's my forever home.”

— Whitten Holley, Appling Resident (WRDW)

“You have to have a little bit of room for growth just in case. We have no intentions of doing that, but you don't totally want to box in what you're doing.”

— Doug Duncan, Chairman, Columbia County Board of Commissioners (WRDW)

What’s next

The Foundations for the Future plan will guide Columbia County's development over the next five years. The designation of the I-20 Appling-Harlem exit area as a technology and industrial zone is a key change that could spur further growth and economic activity in the region, though some residents have expressed concerns about the plan's impact on their community.

The takeaway

The approval of the Foundations for the Future comprehensive plan highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and preserving the character of established communities. While the plan aims to position Columbia County for future growth, it has raised concerns from longtime residents who fear the pace and nature of development could fundamentally alter the identity of their neighborhoods.