James MagazineJames_July-August_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 10
DOWNTOWN MACON
THE CAPRICORN MUSEUM
Choose Macon 2030
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce is leading an initiative called Choose Macon 2030 that is an
effort to bring all these pieces together. The initiative
revolves around attracting new talent, workforce development, and even housing— as the already growing
Macon continues to grow, existing residents need to
be able to continue to live there and new residents
need to know moving in will be affordable. Through
working with Macon realtors to help guide residents
through the homebuying process and helping residents find down payment assistance programs, the
Chamber is working to both improve the environment
for businesses in Macon but also directly improve the
lives of Maconites in a very real way.
10
JAMES JULY/AU G U ST 2 02 6
PICKLEBALL COURTS
The potential national park designation is a looming possibility that would have an incredible impact on
the community. A study from the National Parks Conservation Association estimated an increase of nearly
$30 million in annual tax revenue and more than $200
million in total economic activity generated from the
national park designation. The designation as a full national park means that the area immediately appears
on an infinite number of lists, books, posters and the
full collection of national park sources material.
“With the reopening of Mercer Music at Capricorn
Studios, the World’s Largest Indoor Pickleball Facility in
Rhythm and Rally, opening of the Atrium Health Amphitheater and construction of the Otis Redding Center
for the Arts, Macon’s tourism landscape has expanded
to provide visitors a variety of attractions to speak to
our destination’s history, culture and vision,” said Gary
Wheat, president and CEO at Visit Macon. “With the Ocmulgee Mounds on track to become America’s newest
National Park, Macon’s tourism future becomes brighter
creating a place attractive to visitors, new residents and
new development.”
A Busy Business District
That development is extending all across the community, including out to I-475 on the Eisenhower Business Corridor. Nearly 100 businesses have come together to work on beautification of their part of southwest
Macon, as well as increasing law enforcement presence
and recruitment of new businesses.
“Eisenhower Business Improvement District (EBID)
is proud to be a partner with other Macon-Bibb County
organizations working together to ensure our community remains a desirable place to live and a pleasurable travel destination for visitors,” said Jaime Arnold,
executive director of EBID. “EBID Members continue to
reinvest in the area, providing funding and resources to
encourage economic growth and development as our
corridor is reimagined by beautification efforts such as
our Wildflower Project and repurposing existing structures through our business retention and recruitment
efforts. EBID continues to provide additional services
enhancing the aesthetics, increasing security and
branding our area as welcoming and entertaining space
