Macon-Bibb Unveils $4.5M 'Choose Macon 2030' Initiative

The five-year effort aims to grow talent, boost workforce pipelines, and keep families rooted in the community.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal gear, a sleek computer mouse, and a stack of architectural blueprints arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conceptually representing the advanced manufacturing, technology, and urban planning focus of the 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative.A conceptual still life capturing the workforce development and economic growth goals at the heart of Macon-Bibb's 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative.Macon Today

Local, state, and federal leaders gathered for the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the Community, where the centerpiece announcement was a new five-year, $4.5 million 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative. The program is designed to invest in people and talent by expanding workforce development, building advanced manufacturing pathways, and supporting income-aligned housing solutions, with the goal of attracting and retaining the skilled workers businesses need to grow.

Why it matters

Macon-Bibb has faced challenges with blight, homelessness, and public safety in recent years, but the community has also made progress through collaboration and a focus on people-centric solutions. The 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative represents the next bold step forward, aiming to build on this momentum by investing directly in the local workforce and quality of life to ensure Macon remains an attractive place for families and businesses.

The details

The 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative will be funded by $4.5 million raised over the next five years. The funds will support strategies such as expanding workforce development and employer partnerships, creating an advanced manufacturing pathway with local education partners, supporting income-aligned housing solutions, and elevating Macon's story to recruit and retain workers and families.

  • The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce unveiled the 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative at its annual State of the Community event on April 14, 2026.
  • The five-year initiative is set to run from 2026 to 2030.

The players

Jessica Walden

President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, who announced the 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative.

Lester Miller

Mayor of consolidated Macon-Bibb County, who highlighted the community's progress in areas like housing, blight removal, mental health, and public safety in his State of the Community address.

Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority

A partner in the initiative's advanced manufacturing pathway program.

Bibb County School District

A partner in the initiative's advanced manufacturing pathway program.

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What they’re saying

“This is not just a campaign. It is a commitment. A commitment to attracting and retaining the talent our businesses need to grow… and to ensuring that when people are choosing where to live, work and build their lives, they choose Macon.”

— Jessica Walden, President and CEO, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce

“We're not focused on buildings and storefronts, amphitheaters and recreation centers and parks and mental health programs and housings and jobs and mentorships only. We're focused on people. All that represents people or our neighborhoods, our community.”

— Lester Miller, Mayor, Macon-Bibb County

What’s next

The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce will work to raise the $4.5 million in funding for the 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative over the next five years, with the goal of launching the program's workforce development, housing, and talent attraction strategies.

The takeaway

Macon-Bibb's 'Choose Macon 2030' initiative represents a comprehensive, community-driven approach to investing in people and talent as the key to the region's long-term prosperity. By focusing on workforce development, affordable housing, and quality of life, the program aims to position Macon as an attractive destination for families and businesses alike.