Choose Macon 2030 aims to grow population, workforce and housing access in Macon

Greater Macon Chamber and county leaders launch five-year initiative focused on attracting talent and supporting long-term community growth

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new initiative to grow Macon’s population and workforce is underway.

At Tuesday’s State of the Community, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce announced “Choose Macon 2030,” a five-year plan focused on attracting talent, strengthening the workforce and improving housing access.

President and CEO Jessica Walden says the effort is designed to help people build careers and stay rooted in the community.

“In order for Macon to continue to have its moment, to continue to be able to grow and prosper with economic vitality, we need folks choosing Macon,” she said.

Walden says retention is just as important as attraction.

“And how do you keep them there? It’s often with jobs, quality of life, those kind of things that make Macon that place that you want to stay and continue to grow, raise a family here and contribute to,” she said.

The plan also focuses on strengthening the local workforce by creating direct pathways for students into good paying jobs, while also addressing housing needs through efforts to improve affordability and meet demand.

Mayor Lester Miller says the goal is to encourage people to make Macon their long term home.

“Choose Macon is what we want people to do,” he said. “We want people to come to Macon, visit Macon, fall in love with Macon and then raise a family in Macon.”

Miller says growth depends on bringing in new residents.

“In order for us to continue to grow our community, we’re going to have to convince people that live elsewhere to come to Macon,” he said.

Leaders say the success of the plan will depend on collaboration between businesses, schools and community partners to support long-term growth.