Macon-Bibb County District 9 Commissioner Al Tillman is holding a Town Hall Forum on Thursday, May 11, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on the upper level of the Macon Mall. The Forum will feature Josh Rogers from NewTown Macon discussing their available real estate and business loan programs and Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Chairman Cliffard Whitby.
“Downtown certainly represents a great opportunity for investment and for businesses to start, and I want to make sure people know what options are out there for them,” says Commissioner Tillman. “If we can help someone start or grow their business, then our entire community benefits.”
During the Forum, Josh Rogers will cover the history of Downtown revitalization and provide an in-depth explanation of how NewTown’s real estate and business loan programs work. The Forum is open to the general public, especially people with ideas and plans for businesses who are interested in potential funding opportunities.
“Downtown revitalization benefits all Macon-Bibb taxpayers, so it’s important for us to have convenient ways for everyone in our community to learn about opportunities to invest here,” says Josh Rogers, NewTown Macon President. “We want to let people know how to invest in Downtown and the future of our community, whether that’s applying for financing to start, relocate, or grow a business, or buying, rehabilitating, or building new real estate.”
Since Macon-Bibb County was created in January 2014, Commissioners have continued to hold public meetings to provide updates on the consolidated government, answer questions, hear concerns, and help solve any issues they may have in their neighborhood. Forums like this helped develop the County’s Forward Together Strategic Plan and have helped engage the community around topics like the SPLOST, educational opportunities, employment training, parks, recreation programming, and more.
About the Real Estate Development Loan Fund
The Real Estate Development Loan Fund exists to provide public benefit through converting vacant space to active use, increasing property tax revenue, creating construction jobs and improving the aesthetics of Downtown Macon. NewTown acts as manager of these funds: accepting and reviewing applications, performing underwriting and making and managing loans. NewTown accept applications 24/7/365 and will process each loan as it is received.