Macon Magazine

82 maconmagazine.com | February/March 2026 In fact, during the scheduled interview between MM and Ficklin, a citizen dropped by unannounced. Rather than letting the man walk away unsatisfied, Ficklin left to go speak to him. Some issues are straightforward. Others are emotionally charged, complicated, have outside agencies involved, or are rooted in misunderstandings about what local government can and can't do. In many cases, simply being heard is the first step. "Most citizens just want to know that they're heard," Ficklin said. "That's very important." OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED There is no standard workday in the Department of Community Affairs. Ficklin's schedule often stretches well beyond normal business hours, particularly when commission meetings, proclamations, or board meetings are involved. Proclamations are formal recognitions issued by the mayor, often in an honorary fashion. These are one of Ficklin's specific responsibilities and he takes them seriously, paying close attention to accuracy. When the mayor's schedule is overextended, Ficklin frequently serves as his representative at public events. That role requires a sense of credibility across a wide range of communities, as well as a close connection to Mayor Miller's priorities. Ficklin also makes it his duty to stay closely informed about agenda items and budget discussions for county commission, though he no longer serves as a legislator. His reasoning is simple: people call with questions, and they expect clear explanations about how government decisions affect them. BUILDING TRUST One of the department's most visible functions is its relationship with Macon's faith community through the Mayor's Council of Clergy. The council's stated purpose is "Building a Better Community," with a mission focused on fostering healthy racial relations and promoting unity through partnership with government. The MM team shadowed Ficklin for a lunchtime meeting at Memorial Park Recreation Center, with dozens of clergy members from across the county. "I come with an open mind, total curiosity, and with no expectations, and I always walk away learning and gleaning something of value," said Elizabeth Bahar, rabbi of Temple Beth Israel. Clergy receive updates on county initiatives, while the administration gains insight into concerns emerging within congregations and neighborhoods. The clergy at the meeting all agreed that the relationship building was important. Around the table were those who had been part of Macon's ecosystem for years, alongside those like Pastor Jonathan Scanlon, who said he came to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church just last month. "I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in ministry, making connections to figure out how to better serve the community. We're here to do good wherever possible," he said. Dwana Williams with The Freedom Collective delivered a commanding address. "The clergy, those of us that are sitting in this room, we have a responsibility for this community. We have a responsibility for our children. We have a responsibility for our schools. We have a responsibility to pray for our government," she said. "It's our prayers that's going to help this city." Ficklin maintains contact with more than 600 ministers through email, ensuring they know where to get accurate information and how to engage with county government. That can mean attending commission meetings to provide invocations or participating in unity events. This information-sharing model is intentional. "There is a philosophy that says the more you share information, the better," Ficklin noted. In a city where word-of-mouth has long been a primary ABOVE: Dwana Williams speaks during a December 2025 Council of Clergy luncheon.

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