“We’ve got elbow room,” Middle Georgia Regional Commission announced to a room of laughs.
She was speaking at the Regional Commission’s regular Council Meeting, the first in their new offices. They had previously been located on Emery Highway for 30 years, and had outgrown the space, making it difficult to work efficiently and serve the public and area governments.
The new offices are located in the Macon Mall, which opened in 1975 and is now undergoing a major rejuvenation project. The Regional Commission collaborated with Macon-Bibb County and the architectural team to carefully layout the new space, creating a more functional and collaborative environment. This design has enhanced employee engagement by fostering greater teamwork and communication. The relocation also allowed for the integration of updated technology and improved facilities, significantly boosting efficiency and reducing downtime.
“We are excited to be on the forefront of redevelopment in west Macon-Bibb,” adds Ms. Mathis. “With the return of day and nighttime activity, the opportunities for new retail, commercial, and residential development are unlimited, providing so much to do for the people and organizations coming to our offices!”
“The Regional Commission is a great addition to the government offices and services already offered here at the Macon Mall,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Add all that in with the entertainment options offered by Rhythm and Rally and the Atrium Health Amphitheater, and you’re seeing the revitalization of this entire area.”
In addition to these offices, there is the new Rhythm and Rally (the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility), the new 10,000+ person Atrium Health Amphitheater, and more government offices, including the Board of Elections, Planning & Zoning, an annex for the Middle Georgia Regional Library, Building & Fire Safety, the Mayor’s Literacy Alliance, and more. Already, the new features and offices have attracted tens of thousands of people from around the county, state, and country to play in national tournaments, see a concert, cast their vote, open a business, and more.
“Rejuvenating a community means creating a place where we offer people both the things they want and things they need in an area where it’s all easily accessible, and that’s just what we’re doing for people here,” says Urban Development Authority Executive Director and Macon-Bibb Director of Planning & Public Spaces Alex Morrison. “With the opening of these offices, we now have an amazingly welcoming space for individuals, agencies, and governments from all over the region.”
The Middle Georgia Regional Commission serves the governments and people of 11 counties and 20 cities with technical assistance in planning, economic development, public administration, technology services, and services, and services for older adults. The Council is the governing authority for the Commission and consists of local elected leaders and private sector individuals from across the region.
“These new offices provide such a better environment for our staff and visitors,” adds Mrs. Mathis. “From the open areas, overhead music, ability to take a lunch walk inside, and places to eat, we are in such a more inviting environment conducive to helping people.”