Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1527947
October/November 2024 | maconmagazine.com 41 Explore these often unseen threads in cross-country relationships, and the impact of Knight Foundation's 2023 gift, in our next issue. addressing what will help locals truly benefi t from that growth in tourism. So that's public space management, event management, and some big capital projects – the 'extra large' version of our plan." Behind the numbers, MAP is "a love letter to the community, by the community," Morrison said. "I fell in love pretty hard with Macon. The plan is the belief and the promise that we can make this place a place that is the envy of the rest of the world. There is historical pain here, but hope springs eternal, and to be able to share the city that has my fi ngerprints on it with my son is an even bigger joy." I NVI S I B L E T H R E AD S O F I M PACT Macon's branch of the Knight Foundation reaches down the winding road of Interstate 75 to their headquarters in Miami, but it doesn't stop there. The thought leadership emanating from the network of Knight cities and how they inform Maconites in leadership is an invisible hand that makes our community better informed. Around the tables scattered in Macon City Auditorium at Knight Foundation's exciting dinner in 2023 were Macon's small business owners, elected offi cials, and educators. They mingled with minds from the Foundation's board and staff across the country, learning about projects happening elsewhere that could spur innovation at home for a better future. "We take pride in working together to achieve big things," Murphey said. Guiding the future for Knight now is a new voice at the helm, Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, recently named the CEO and president of the foundation. Macon was her very fi rst Knight city visit, just over a week into her tenure on the job. "Macon's story is one of passion, collaboration, and unwavering spirit," Wadsworth said in an enthusiastic LinkedIn post. "It's a city on the move." And wherever Macon moves, it's dedicated partner in Knight Foundation will be a major force in pushing it forward. FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! WE ARE TO MAKE AN END-OF-YEAR DONATION, PLEASE VISIT: HISTORICMACON.ORG