Macon Magazine

August/September 2026| maconmagazine.com 91 He imagines a future where families no longer drive to Atlanta for every major concert, conference, or sporting event, where visitors exit the interstate directly into downtown, and where local businesses thrive because more people are choosing to spend time and money in Macon. "I know for a fact people don't truly understand the economic impact to local businesses," he said. "If we can increase the amount of business, we can pay our people more. We can expand. We can grow." For Mitchell, that's what makes the changes worth enduring. "Sometimes it feels like these projects have been dangled in front of us for years," he admitted. "But I still have hope." Mitchell sees opportunity in new customers and thriving local businesses. Johnson hopes investment reaches every neighborhood. Bronson believes lasting progress depends on transparency and community trust. Their perspectives differ, but they share a common belief: Macon's future isn't defined solely by roads, arenas, or new buildings. It will be measured by whether today's investments create opportunities for everyone. "Lasting progress requires community buy-in," says Bronson. "Concerns can be addressed through clear communication and transparency, and a shared vision for where we are headed as a city. Real leadership starts at the top, but lasting success is built alongside the people we serve. We are Macon-Bibb." If that happens, Macon won't simply be building a better city, it will be building a stronger community. Mitchell believes there's still room for improvement, particularly by including younger residents and those from lower-income communities in conversations that will shape Macon's future. "We're making decisions for the next generation," he said. "Why are their voices not in the room sometimes?" Johnson is optimistic about projects like the Ocmulgee Mounds redesignation and the new arena, believing both have the potential to raise Macon's profile and strengthen tourism and commerce. Yet he believes the city's greatest success will be measured not only by the number of visitors it attracts, but by how well it serves its own residents. "How does it spread to the neighborhoods? How does it get into Fort Hill, Tindall Heights, Pleasant Hill, and those areas?" His hope is that today's investments create opportunities that spread throughout every corner of Macon. "So let me be clear," Johnson said. "I think there is a buzz. I just want there to still be the intentionality for the whole pie to grow." That sense of momentum is something Mitchell also feels. Having lived in much larger metropolitan areas, he believes Macon's size gives it a unique advantage. "In a city like Macon, you know the people who are going to be affected by the decisions you're making," he said. "I've seen people reach across political lines and work together because they know this is good for the community." Johnson believes leadership will play a critical role in determining whether today's momentum becomes lasting progress. "I hope the right people are at the table," he said. Mitchell agrees that the opportunity before Macon extends far beyond new roads or buildings. " T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n m ay b e a n i n c o nv e n i e n c e to d ay, b u t t h e l o n g - te r m b e n e f i t s w i l l b e s i g n i f i c a n t fo r o u r r e s i d e n t s , b u s i n e s s o w n e r s , a n d t h o s e t rav e l i n g t h r o u g h o u r c o m m u n i t y." but only if it benefits everyone. "As long as it's changing for the betterment of everybody, not just change where only a few people can profit," Johnson said. "We have to constantly evolve and be up to date with current times and what's going on." Johnson believes Macon has every reason to celebrate its progress but cautions that economic development must be paired with intentional investment in the people who need it most. He points to Macon's poverty rate — roughly 25 percent, about double the national average, as a reminder that infrastructure alone cannot solve every challenge. "Hopefully this helps with the transportation and logistics industry," he said. "But we still need to think about how we help the least of these be equipped and empowered so they can flourish as well." His perspective reflects a broader conversation happening throughout the city. While many residents are enthusiastic about new developments, others are asking whether those investments will extend beyond the city center. "For too long we've been either/or. We have to figure out how to do a both/ and," Johnson said. Mitchell shares Johnson's belief that growth should be inclusive, even as he remains optimistic about the city's progression. While he sees overwhelming excitement among the people he interacts with daily, he also recognizes concerns about affordability. "We want to make sure that as we grow and become more accessible, we're making this for all people, and not just people of a certain tax bracket," he said. Serving on the OneMacon Panel gave Mitchell a firsthand look at conversations happening behind the scenes. He says leaders are intentionally discussing affordable housing, neighborhood preservation, and equitable development before projects begin rather than after problems arise. "It's a very hard job," he said. "If you're lucky enough to get into the room, then it's your responsibility to help amplify the voices that may not be there." Tell us what kind of progress you're seeing in Macon at hello@maconmagazine.com

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