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My Macon Insider Guides to Downtown Macon IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWTOWN MACON In this series, we turn to the passionate Maconites, those who call this vibrant city home, to curate their very own guides to experiencing Downtown Macon. Whether you are a resident seeking to rediscover your city or a curious visitor eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, these guides will open doors to new ideas and lasting memories. Discover what defines Downtown Macon: from feeling the energy of our bustling streets and exploring historic landmarks to savoring the mouthwatering cuisine and engaging with the vibrant arts and music scene. We'll let the insiders share more. KAREN LAMBERT serves as president and CEO of the Peyton Anderson Foundation, an independent, place- based foundation investing in the work of non-profit organizations supporting people in Central Georgia and improving their quality of life. Born and raised in Macon, Lambert has lived and worked here her entire life. She is the proud "Katty" to 10 grandchildren. + What do you love most about Downtown Macon? What I love most about Downtown Macon is its vibrancy and resilience. The renaissance of the heart of Macon was a vision of the Foundation that began 35 years ago. Today, that vision is realized. We have watched Downtown Macon return to life. I love coming to work and play in our beautiful, historic, thriving city center. + What is your connection to Downtown Macon? The Peyton Anderson Foundation remains steadfast in our dedication to Downtown Macon as the vibrant urban hub of Central Georgia and to increasing opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive here. In 1996, the Foundation enabled a group of visionary corporate and civic leaders to establish a non-profit, public- private partnership called NewTown Macon. NewTown's leadership, planning, and support have leveraged more than $950 million to improve Downtown Macon and increase its opportunities for new businesses and residents. They took up two seemingly impossible challenges: creating a riverfront trail system and bringing Downtown Macon back to life. Today, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail stretches over 13 miles and has seen more foot, cycling, and nature-embracing traffic than ever before. Downtown Macon is thriving with over 750 lofts, 57 restaurants, and 32 bars and music venues. The Foundation has created and supported organizations, leadership, and models of best practices that have sustained this focus for almost 35 years. We follow the premise that retail follows rooftops. We work together, and we are always innovating and planning. Currently, the Foundation is utilizing mission-related investments as an additional tool to continue revitalization plans for Downtown Macon. + What do you recommend people do to find their place and get involved in Downtown Macon? You can make your mark here in Macon, Georgia. Find avenues of connecting, get involved with community- based efforts, and in the words of our benefactor Peyton Anderson, be a "good doer, not a do-gooder." The Downtown Challenge Fund was a creative grant program funding community-driven ideas to transform Downtown Macon. Beginning in 2016, our Foundation partnered with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to fund $5 million for two Downtown Challenges. This program was administered by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia to encourage philanthropy and to strengthen communities in our region. The Challenges charged us to bring our best ideas forward to transform Downtown. Individuals, volunteer groups, and local organizations applied for grant funding to put their vision into action. This local, community-driven collaboration produced exciting, impactful, and sustainable assets for our community's urban core. One of the most significant projects was the idea of a local business owner to create a Christmas lights show on a formerly blighted downtown street. What started with an idea to string 250,000 lights along Poplar Street nearly tripled its size by its second year, attracted thousands of people to Downtown Macon, and created maximum economic impact with record sales for our surrounding local businesses. This new community tradition is now sustainable through sponsorship support, a network of dedicated volunteers, and downtown development organizations that will continue to collaborate on this project for years to come. And, read this next part out loud, what starts as an idea can come to life in Downtown Macon. You just have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and make it happen. That's what makes Downtown Macon so special. + What is the one thing you wish more people knew about Downtown Macon? Our work isn't over but is only just beginning. Downtown Macon is open for business. It vibrates with energy, and it's a wonderful place to call home. But none of this is possible without collaboration. NewTown Macon is an independent nonprofit making Downtown Macon safe, beautiful, fun, affordable, and locally led. Their comprehensive approach to downtown development has resulted in 80% storefront occupancy, 94% loft occupancy, and 1M+ annual event attendance. 30 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023