Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1545348
June/July 2026 | maconmagazine.com 97 Psi and still keeps in touch with people he met while growing up in East Macon and Tindall Heights. Battle has also run into some of his former students from Southwest High School, now adults, as well as former classmates from Northeast. "The first things I do is cleanup," he said about what he's set to do in the area. Battle noted that several downed basketball goals are soon to be replaced, picnic tables set up, and tree saplings have already been planted at the recreation facility in Kings Park. "What we're trying to do is get these associations organized, show them how to get some funding so the group can become self-sufficient." To that end, Battle is using his expertise to help the various neighborhood associations file the necessary paperwork to obtain 501c3 status, which would make them nonprofit organizations in the eyes of the federal government. This designation is the gold standard for obtaining traditional grant funding. He recently filed paperwork to get Kings Park a grant and is awaiting notification. "This is one of the hardest jobs I've ever had, but I love it," said Battle of the challenges he faces in instituting a new program where he grew up. "Community is first for me, because that's what the job consists of. This is full circle for me." The next months will be keeping Battle busy. He is a divorced father with two grown-up children. His son, 27, lives in upstate New York, while his 22-year- old daughter is in the military while also attending classes at Florida A&M University. But he's ready, willing, and able to help his community thrive. This vibrant, tall gentleman is ready to improve Macon and Bibb County, so that one neighborhood at a time can stand tall. One Battle After Another. Battle is using his expertise to help the various neighborhood associations file the necessary paperwork to obtain 501c3 status, which would make them nonprofit organizations in the eyes of the federal government. This designation is the gold standard for obtaining traditional grant funding. RIGHT Battle introduces King Parks neighbors at the announcement of the Macon Good Neighbors program. G E T I N T O B A T T L E W I T H T H E M A C O N G O O D N E I G H B O R S P R O G R A M The focused efforts Jerry Battle is making in Kings Park is just the beginning of what he wants to accomplish for specific neighborhoods. In May, the county announced the Macon Good Neighbors program, where Battle will start by listening to what neighbors are saying in local meetings and then spend a concentrated amount of time and county resources in a specific area. After starting with Kings Park, Battle is now moving into working with Payne City. County leaders were clear by saying that these efforts don't happen with one isolated complaint, but rather through organized groups that are already working within a given area, and with an exchange of listening. If you have any questions or would like to invite Battle to your neighborhood meeting, you can reach him at jbattle@maconbibb.us. the people, let them know how to get in touch with me." Now on the job several months, Battle has become more efficient by maintaining a calendar and establishing standard operating procedures to keep up with all he is confronted with. He says he's trying to fulfill a vision from County Manager Keith Moffett and gets a lot of support from his supervisor Alex Morrison, who serves as the director of planning and public spaces, as well as the mayor. People who have known him for years affectionately refer to him as "Tae." Battle stays active in the community as a member of Kappa Alpha