2025 GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY AFFAIRS PRIORITIES
2025 CORE PRIORITIES
Support and advocate for the passage and funding for the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park
1. Support and promote increased funding for tourism development opportunities
2. Support and promote expansion of mass transportation infrastructure
3. Support, promote and protect the military presence in Central Georgia
5.
4. Support legislation that improves high school completion rates to provide an employable and adaptable workforce
STANDING PRIORITY:
Maintain focus on developing sensible tax and regulatory policy solutions that encourage investment and maintaining a healthy economic environment for business.
DEFINING THE PROJECT
SUPPORT AND ADVOCATE FOR THE PASSAGE AND FUNDING FOR THE OCMULGEE MOUNDS NATIONAL PARK
We are committed to supporting and advocating for federal funding to elevate the Ocmulgee National Historic Park, alongside the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI), to become Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve. This designation not only preserves a site of immense historical and cultural significance but also serves as a catalyst for regional economic growth through increased tourism.
FFEDERAL PRIORITIES
Advocate for the Passage of S 4216/H R 8182: Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act
Supporting the passage of S 4216/H R 8182 is crucial to formally establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park and Preserve This act will protect and preserve the unique historical and cultural resources of the Ocmulgee region while promoting the area as a significant tourist destination on a national scale
Establishing Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park and Preserve is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the local community, including increased job opportunities and tourism revenue Advocating for this legislation will ensure federal recognition and support, which will drive both conservation efforts and economic development
Secure Federal Funding for Park and Infrastructure Development
Securing preservation and accessibility through Federal funding will support the development of infrastructure within the park, ensuring it is accessible to a wider range of visitors This includes funding for trails, visitor centers, educational programs, and conservation efforts to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources
Improving surrounding infrastructure with Federal funding, such as transportation networks and visitor amenities, will be vital in accommodating the expected increase in visitors and ensuring a positive experience for all who visit the park
STATE PRIORITIES
Advocate for State Funding to Enhance Park Tourism Infrastructure and Logistics Study Funding
Evaluating the impact through State funding creates a comprehensive Tourism and Infrastructure/Logistics Study that assess the needs for infrastructure improvements, the potential economic benefits, and any challenges that may arise from increased tourism and park operations
Securing state investment in infrastructure projects will support the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve, including transportation improvements, signage, and visitor facilities These investments will ensure that the local community is prepared to handle increased visitor traffic and that the park’s economic benefits are maximized
DEFINING THE PROJECT
SUPPORT AND PROMOTE INCREASED FUNDING FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are actively advocating for more financial resources from government bodies to enhance tourism infrastructure and services. We support allocating funds to improve transportation, accommodation, and other essential infrastructure to make destinations more accessible and appealing to tourists.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES
Advocate for Funding and Business Development of Infrastructure
Upgrading existing tourism-related facilities, including the renovation of outdated infrastructure and the expansion of current amenities. These upgrades are essential to maintaining our competitive edge in attracting business tourism and preparing us for National Park designation.
Pursuing federal funding opportunities through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to support the development of a new state-of-the-art convention center. This facility will be designed to accommodate largescale business conferences and events, enhancing our region's appeal as a premier destination for business tourism.
Support the Creation of Business Tourism Incentives:
Incentivizing business tourism through tax credits or deductions for companies that hold conferences, trade shows, or other large events within our region. These incentives can help drive more corporate events to our area, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs.
STATE PRIORITIES
Advocate for State Funding for Convention Center Development:
Seeking State investment in the construction of an additional convention center would serve as a catalyst for business tourism, attracting conferences, trade shows, and corporate events and public-private partnerships that ensure the financial feasibility and long-term success.
Support Transportation and Accessibility Improvements:
Encouraging State-level investment in transportation infrastructure will support tourism, including improved roadways, public transit options, and pedestrianfriendly developments that enhance accessibility to key tourism sites, including the proposed convention center.
DEFINING THE PROJECT
SUPPORT AND PROMOTE EXPANSION OF MASS TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
This includes advocating for the growth and expansion of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport to enhance air transportation, attract industrial investment, and promote sustainable economic growth in Central Georgia.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES
Secure Funding for a New Airport Terminal
Supporting the construction of a new, modern airport terminal at MCN with significant upgrades will meet the growing demands of passenger traffic and accommodate future growth. A new terminal will enhance the traveler's experience and position MCN as a key transportation hub.
Driving economic impact through the new terminal will attract more commercial and private air traffic, contributing to job creation and increased economic activity in the region.
STATE PRIORITIES
Completion and Optimization of the New Fixed-Base Operator (FBO):
Leveraging State resources, with the FBO already funded, will ensure the timely completion and full optimization of this facility. The State’s involvement will be critical in maximizing the economic impact of the new FBO, which is expected to enhance aviation services and attract more corporate and private aviation traffic.
State-Level Support for the New Airport Terminal:
Seeking partnership between federal and state governments will be essential to meeting the growing needs of passenger traffic and ensuring that the airport remains competitive.
DEFINING THE PROJECT
SUPPORT, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE MILITARY PRESENCE IN CENTRAL GEORGIA
We support, promote, and protect Robins Air Force Base and the military presence in Central Georgia by advocating for Georgia’s military population (the fifth largest military population in the country) and supporting Robins Air Force Base’s $3 84 billion annual economic impact on the Georgia economy and workforce of 22,126 people.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES
Advocate for Middle Georgia’s Economic Engine (Robins Air Force Base) and the Georgia National Guard
Protecting, promoting, and supporting the military presence in Georgia, particularly Robins Air Force Base and the Georgia Army National Guard’s Mighty 48th Infantry Brigade in Macon, is critical to the significance of our region
Support New Missions for Robins Air Force Base
Preparing to support this effort and any emerging workforce pipeline requirements resulting from new missions will help support the Air Force’s follow-on mission for the JSTARS and its intent to station that capability at Robins Air Force Base
Support Requests for Robotics
Requesting K-12 STEM programs and internship programs develop our community to be a larger player in the world of robot Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) at Robins Air Force Base has made great strides in the deployment of industrial robotic systems to increase aircraft sustainment readiness WR-ALC leads the DoD in the variety and success levels of these types of systems, as indicated by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment This programming would support internships in robotics companies, as well as for DoD
Support and Promote Veteran-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Seek business-friendly policies for military and Veteran-owned enterprises to bolster our workforce pipeline and result in returning economic impact
STATE PRIORITIES
Advocate for Middle Georgia’s Economic Engine (Robins Air Force Base) and the Georgia National Guard
Protecting, promoting, and supporting the military presence in Georgia, particularly Robins Air Force Base and the Georgia Army National Guard’s Mighty 48th Infantry Brigade in Macon, is critical to the significance of our region
Support New Missions for Robins Air Force Base
Preparing to support this effort and any emerging workforce pipeline requirements resulting from new missions will help support the Air Force’s follow-on mission for the JSTARS and its intent to station that capability at Robins Air Force Base
Support Requests for Robotics
Requesting K-12 STEM programs and internship programs develop our community to be a larger player in the world of robot Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) at Robins Air Force Base has made great strides in the deployment of industrial robotic systems to increase aircraft sustainment readiness WR-ALC leads the DoD in the variety and success levels of these types of systems, as indicated by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment This programming would support internships in robotics companies, as well as for DoD
Support and Promote Veteran-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Seek business-friendly policies for military and Veteran-owned enterprises to bolster our workforce pipeline and result in returning economic impact
DEFINING THE PROJECT
SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT IMPROVES HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION RATES TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYABLE AND ADAPTABLE WORKFORCE
FEDERAL PRIORITIES
Promoting policies that increase awareness and access to College and Career Academy and higher education options for Macon-Bibb County, in partnership with K-12 education, technical colleges, colleges and universities and the business community, bolster the full workforce talent pipeline
Increasing access to funding for in-school youth, technical, STEAM, CTAE and higher education training will prepare and support workforce development
STATE PRIORITIES
Promoting policies that increase awareness and access to College and Career Academy and higher education options for Macon-Bibb County, in partnership with K-12 education, technical colleges, colleges and universities and the business community, bolster the full workforce talent pipeline
Increasing access to funding for in-school youth, technical, STEAM, CTAE and higher education training will prepare and support workforce development