‘It’s better when we work together.’ Macon mayor outlines community’s accomplishments

Mayor Robert Reichert spoke of unity and encouraged people to work together for the future of Macon-Bibb County in his final State of the Community address at the Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center.

“We need to consider not just how far we’ve come but also where we’re headed,” he said in his speech Thursday “Our citizens, in my opinion, deserve a continuation of this journey in order to move our entire community forward together.”

Reichert talked about several successes the community has seen over his 12-year tenure, including downtown Macon’s revitalization, the increase of jobs in the area and improving green spaces like expanding the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

Due to NewTown Macon’s efforts, downtown Macon has 651 loft apartments, 51 restaurants and 26 taverns with an increase in property values by 9 percent resulting in $1.4 million in new property tax income, Reichert said.

Reichert gave shout outs to several organizations and people in Macon, including the Urban Development Authority, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Ocmulgee Mounds Historical National Park and Bryan Nichols for his work on the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza.

He also recognized the colleges and universities in the area, such as Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University and Wesleyan College.

In addition to congratulating several organizations and people, Reichert listed eight achievements that were made due to people working together in the community, and for each of these achievements, he encouraged constituents to ask the mayoral candidates for the 2020 election if they support this type of work.

▪ Macon-Bibb County’s consolidated government developed a more efficient government.

▪ The community is unified and believes in working together to improve the community as a whole.

▪ The partnership between Atrium Health and Navicent Health, Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital and the Medical Center, Navicent Health’s nationally verified Level I Trauma Center will help make Macon a hub for healthcare services.

▪ Macon-Bibb County entered into a partnership with Mercer University to build a pedestrian bridge over Mercer University Drive in exchange for Mercer to build 300 units of student housing.

▪ Macon-Bibb County is nearing completion of the Second Street Corridor to connect different parts of the city.

▪ Central Georgia Technical College moved two of its aerospace programs to Middle Georgia Regional Airport.

▪ The Central Georgia Joint Development Authority negotiated the installation of a solar power project that will make Robins Air Force Base more energy efficient.

▪ Macon-Bibb County partnered with Middle Georgia State University to help improve the university’s main entrance to the Macon campus.

“It’s better when we work together,” Reichert said. “We’ve made some good things happen. We have worked together better than ever before, and we as a community are working together for the future, and collectively we believe the best is yet to come.”