October 30, 2026 • Issue 505

Five new affordable homes

replace blight by Bruce Elementary

On Wednesday, October 28, the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund (MBCAHF) and Macon-Bibb County celebrated the completion of five new homes on Villa Esta Avenue with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Directly across from Bruce Elementary School, it expands home opportunities in a neighborhood that has seen recent development in recreation and healthcare.

“We’re celebrating more than 5 homes being built, we’re celebrating hope, opportunity, the power of community coming together to invest in its future,” said Bruce Elementary School Principal Dr. Endirka Williams Okonkwo. “Every morning our students travel down these streets to school. They’re seeing transformation. They’re seeing progress. They’re seeing something that was once ugly is now beautiful.”

The five new homes were built on lots that once held dilapidated houses, transforming neglected properties into new opportunities for homeownership and neighborhood revitalization.

“Villa Esta is more than building houses,” said MBCAHF Director Natalie Bouyett. “It’s about opportunities for families to create their homes and encourage growth and investment in Macon-Bibb.”

Each of the five new homes features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with floor plans ranging from approximately 1,050 to 1,290 square feet. Stafford Builders & Consultants, one of two developers selected to support MBCAHF’s housing efforts in the area, completed the homes in approximately eight months.

“Working with MBCAHF on this project has been joyful,” said President of Stafford Builders & Consultants Kesia Stafford. “We all moved with intention to ensure our decisions left a positive impact on the families for the five homes and the neighborhood.”

The Land Bank Authority approved the disposition of the properties to MBCAHF in November of 2025. Land Bank Authority Director Everett Verner states, “MBCAHF is an ideal partner as we are finally seeing lots the Land Bank has held for decades be put back into highest and best use, infill housing.”

The development is part of a broader investment in the area, including $2.5 million in County investment for Cliffview and Frank E. Lewis Park and $3.2 million in private and public investment towards a new healthcare facility, First Choice Primary Care, providing affordable care and pharmacy to uninsured and underinsured patients.

“Every family deserves the opportunity to own a home and build a future right here in Macon-Bibb County,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “These five homes represent more than just new construction. They represent stability for families, new life for our neighborhoods, and the kind of investment that strengthens our entire community. When we invest in housing, recreation, and healthcare together, we’re building neighborhoods where families can truly thrive.”

MBCAHF is working in partnership with Norluxe Realty Macon to market and sell the five new homes. Shiwanna Reed, Broker with Norluxe Realty Macon said, “Our focus is ensuring every buyer enters into the transaction informed and confident on what they are purchasing and what it means for their long-term investment.”



Norluxe Realty Macon will host the “Fall Into Villa Esta” open house on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can tour the homes, speak with lenders and enjoy candy, games, and free food.

Honoring breast cancer survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Macon-Bibb County is taking time to recognize the importance of early detection, raise awareness, and celebrate the strength of survivors right here in our work family.

As part of the recognition, two Macon-Bibb County employees who are breast cancer survivors were surprised with a special proclamation honoring their courage and resilience.

“We have two superwomen on our team, and they’re standing with us today,” said County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett, who emphasized the importance of supporting one another, especially through life's most difficult challenges.

“One of the things that’s important to me is the work family because we spend so much time with each other,” said Dr. Moffett. “At the end of the day, we say work family, and that has meaning.”

Dr. Moffett also recognized the dedication of the two employees, who continued to show up for their colleagues and community while facing personal health challenges.

“We will never know how they felt or what they went through, but we know that in all of that, they still showed up here with their work family,” he said.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder of the importance of screenings, education, and access to treatment. According to estimates included in the proclamation, more than 10,000 women in Georgia are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026.

Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat, and can reduce the risk of dying from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



While October is dedicated to raising awareness, Macon-Bibb County encourages everyone to continue supporting survivors, remembering those who have lost their lives, and reminding loved ones about the importance of regular screenings.

Music, food, culture shine at

5th Annual Hispanic Festival

What a celebration! Hundreds of people filled Cherry Street Plaza on Saturday, October 24, for the 5th Annual Macon-Bibb Hispanic Festival, making this year's event the biggest one yet! Click here to see more pictures.

The free, family-friendly festival brought the community together for an afternoon filled with music, dancing, delicious food, shopping, and a celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage.

Festivalgoers enjoyed live performances from talented musicians and dancers, including Cielito Lindo Ballet Folklórico and Son Latino. Attendees even had the opportunity to learn some new dance moves during a special dance lesson!

This year's festival also featured more than 70 vendors, showcasing Hispanic-owned businesses, handmade goods, cultural products, and community organizations. Hispanic-owned food trucks served up a variety of authentic dishes, giving attendees a taste of flavors from across Latin America.

“One of the things that makes Macon-Bibb so special is the diversity of the people who call our community home,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “Seeing hundreds of people come together to celebrate Hispanic culture and support local businesses is something we can all be proud of. This festival continues to grow each year, and that's a reflection of the hard work of its organizers and the support of our community.”

Families also enjoyed a dedicated Kids Zone with activities and games for children, making the celebration fun for all ages.

During the festival, the Macon-Bibb Hispanic Festival Committee presented two Diversity Awards to community members who have made a lasting impact in Macon-Bibb.

Jorge Villareal, owner of El Carnaval Latin Food Store & Taqueria on Pio Nono Avenue, was recognized for his longtime contributions to Macon's Hispanic community. Since opening in 2001, his business has helped connect families to their roots through products and flavors from across Latin America.



Susannah Maddux, owner of Macon Magazine, was also honored for her dedication to sharing the stories of our diverse community. Through her work, she has continued to shine a light on the people, cultures, and experiences that make Macon special, serving as a champion for representation and inclusion in our community.

Macon Music Half Marathon gears up for fourth annual race

One month out from the fourth annual Macon Music Half Marathon, organizers held a press conference on Homeplate at Historic Luther Williams Field where the race’s finish line will be to let the community know what they can expect and how people can get involved. This year’s race is happening Saturday, November 21, at 8:00 a.m. beginning in Carolyn Crayton Park and ending on the field itself.

“We know better than anyone how integral physical fitness is to a lifelong journey,” said Lisa Seneker, Manager of Health Promotion Services at the Atrium Health Navicent Wellness Center. She then talked about the services provided by the Wellness Center to help people improve their health and their four years as the race’s Presenting Sponsor. “Whether you are just getting started on your physical fitness or pounding the health, I want you to know Atrium Health Navicent is with you every step of the way.”

“It’s very special to have this race finish here and for all the runners to share in the accomplishment of finishing right here at Homeplate where many other amazing athletes have crossed over the last 97 years,” says Brandon Raphael, Macon Bacon Managing Partner & President. He invited the families and friends to join their runners on the field after the race for music and food.

“It’s exciting to again be part of this destination race and to create something special for runners and visitors to our community. This race is not only vital to the physical vitality of our community but also the economic vitality of our community,” said Gary Wheat, President & CEO of Visit Macon. He pointed out that the previous two races have contributed more than $200,000 to the local economy and celebrating that it helps showcase our local bands and musical heritage to people from across the country.

According to FM Barron, President of the Macon Tracks, more than 1,500 people from 27 states and one country have been part of the Macon Music Half Marathon. He thanked the sponsors, the county departments that help prepare the course, and groups like Bike Walk Macon and BikeTech Macon for supporting the runners.



Now in its fourth year, the course takes runners by locations showing the musical heritage of Macon including the Grand Opera House, the Big House, Little Richard’s home, Capricorn Studios, Otis Redding Foundation, and Mercer’s McDuffie Center for Strings as well as other historic and cultural sites. Along the course and at the end on the field will be entertainment by local and regional artists.

Step into Wonderland

at Mayor’s Sneaker Ball!

Get ready to go down the rabbit hole for the 5th Annual Mayor’s Sneaker Ball! This year’s Alice in Wonderland-themed celebration will take place Saturday, December 19, 2026, at the Macon City Auditorium (415 First Street).

Guests are encouraged to dress to impress, have fun with the theme, and make the night their own. Sneakers are optional, but definitely encouraged!

“The Mayor’s Sneaker Ball has become a night our community looks forward to every year,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “It’s a chance for people from all walks of life to come together as Team Macon-Bibb, have a great time, and help us invest in students who are working hard toward their futures.”

The night will feature live music, a DJ, dancing, a cash bar, and more, all with a little Wonderland magic mixed in. Proceeds from the event will help fund the Sneaker Ball and the Lester M. Miller Academic Scholarships, which support students in our community as they continue their education.

Tables and sponsorship levels will be available for purchase through Friday, November 27, or until they sell out. Individual tickets will remain on sale through Wednesday, December 16. All tickets and tables must be purchased online, and tickets will not be available at the door.

The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with Macon-Bibb County to host ticket sales for the event. Click here to purchase a table or tickets.