July 17, 2026 * Issue 490 | | | |
Macon-Bibb County continues making progress on its countywide sidewalk assessment, with Citylogix now approximately 54% complete with its sidewalk analysis and 100% complete with its ramp analysis.
The assessment is part of the County's Paving the Way program, an ongoing effort to improve transportation infrastructure and make it easier and safer for people to move throughout our community.
In April, Macon-Bibb County contracted with Citylogix to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of 351 miles of sidewalks and 9,263 ADA accessibility ramps across the county.
Using an innovative e-scooter-based system equipped with high-resolution cameras, GPS technology, and mobile data collection tools, Citylogix is capturing detailed imagery of sidewalks and identifying issues such as cracks, uneven surfaces, tree root damage, and other hazards.
Once collected, the data is analyzed to assign each sidewalk an overall condition score on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the best possible condition. The completed inventory will provide County leaders with a comprehensive understanding of sidewalk conditions and help prioritize future repairs, maintenance, and investments.
The sidewalk assessment builds on the success of the County's roadway evaluation, which also was completed by Citylogix. That analysis examined approximately 1,100 miles of County-owned paved roads, helping identify streets most in need of resurfacing based on pavement condition, traffic volume, and connectivity.
The sidewalk analysis is expected to provide the same data-driven approach for future pedestrian infrastructure improvements, helping ensure investments are directed where they are needed most.
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Families can get a head start on the new school year at the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department's Back-to-School Giveaway on Saturday, July 18, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center (132 Willie Smokie Glover Drive).
Students will receive free school supplies while supplies last. Parents or guardians must be present with their child to receive supplies.
Available school supplies include notebooks and paper, pencils and pens, backpacks, crayons and markers, folders and binders, erasers and rulers, and more.
In addition to school supplies, families can connect with local organizations offering information and resources to support students and parents throughout the school year. Community partners currently scheduled to attend include Macon AIM, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, New Testament Christian Church of Macon, Lead with Literacy, and more.
"Our goal is to help every child start the school year with the supplies they need to be successful while also connecting families with organizations that can support them beyond the classroom," said Recreation Director Robert Walker. "Events like this help ensure our children are prepared, confident, and ready to learn on the first day of school."
The giveaway is free and open to the community. School supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
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Story by Communications Intern Dexter Whitby, Jr. – Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events is hosting the 2026 Macon Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Challenger from July 17-19. This will be the first professional pickleball tournament hosted in Macon, and another step in the right direction for the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world.
More than 500 professional players will be in attendance, with talents consisting of Rafa Hewitt, Nicole Conard, Jake Anderson, Anderson Scarpa (an alum of Mercer University), and many more. With this level of competition, it will be a weekend in Macon-Bibb County of high-intensity pickleball competition.
Want to see what the excitement is about? Want to see nationally competitive athletes test their skills against each other? Spectator admission for this weekend’s tournament is $20 per day and $45 for a three-day pass. For more information, visit the 2026 Macon PPA Challenger event page at pickleball.com.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and that’s evident in the number of players in Macon-Bibb and Middle Georgia. As a result, John Roberts, the General Manager of Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events, views this tournament as “an opportunity for people to see players at the highest level competing up close and in person.”
“Hopefully this can open the door in a relationship with PPA for higher profile events,” Roberts adds.
The 32-court, air-conditioned, venue has made Macon a true contender for hosting high-profile tournaments, attracting players of all skill levels, families, and onlookers across the region.
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Story by Communications Intern Dexter Whitby Jr.- On July 15, The Girls Dig Deeper Initiative (GDDI), along with Robins Financial Credit Union, volunteered at the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, with whom they share a partnership.
The Girls Dig Deeper Initiative is in its third annual Summer in the City Learning Experience for teenage girls (ages 13-17) at the Rosa Jackson Community Center (1211 Maynard Street) from July 12-27. The purpose of this experience is to elevate youth girls' mindset and promote positive behavior through various activities and impactful discussions.
Najiva Timothee, GDDI Founder and Executive Director believes that volunteering at the Food Bank is an example of what the camp teaches and stands for.
"I want to make sure that the girls know what it is like to give back to the community. So being part of the Community Food Bank gives them that opportunity and experience of what it feels like to give back," Timothee states.
The program, through the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP), helps keep the kids in the right environment and away from crime, especially in the summer.
"A lot of them are home trying to find things to do," Timothee says. "That's one of the reasons why we have this summer program, so we can keep the girls safe, engaged, and do something for them to learn to build healthy connections, build friendships.
GDDI first-timer Ariel Combs, would highly recommend any girl to attend the camp. "This is a sisterhood here, we don't have any problems with each other, we all just click,” she adds.
Jaa'laiyah Card, another first-timer, seconds this statement. "Don't be shy, everybody here was so welcoming" she says.
"It is important for us to have volunteers," said Kathy McCollum, President and CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. "We only have 22 employees here in our food bank, and we're serving 24 counties, it's a big job so we really rely on volunteers."
Together, the girls were able to help pack 427 boxes including 6,068 meals that will be distributed to families in need across Middle Georgia.
| | | Former NBA Player Sherrone Wright hosts basketball camp | |
Story by Communications Intern Dexter Whitby, Jr. - On July 8, Mayor Lester Miller returned to Southwest High School where he graduated to speak to the athletes of the 478 Hoops Basketball Camp, which is hosted by former NBA Player Sharone Wright.
"Brings back a lot of memories, no matter how old you get, you always remember where you came from," says Mayor Miller. "I try to come back to help the youth; it's something that's very exciting to me."
The Mayor had a lot of praise for Wright, making sure to give him all of his flowers. "To come and put your time together with all of the kids that we have here and to show them that there's a better pathway for them. It means everything to us (Macon-Bibb)."
Wright credits his mom for wanting him to start this camp but has enjoyed seeing the growth of the kids.
"We get underprivileged kids all the time. White kids, black kids, Hispanic kids, it doesn't matter; there has to be some type of avenue for them to go down," Wright states.
This is the 25th year of Sharone Wright's week-long camp which ran from July 6-10. The kids get exposure from multiple NBA players, such as Chris Robinson and Myles Patrick. The campers also learned financial literacy and gained knowledge they can use in the classroom.
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As students prepare to head back to the classroom, the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department is helping families get ready for the new school year with its first Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway at the Little Richard House Resource Center (416 Craft Street) on Saturday, August 1.
The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and provide free book bags to students while connecting families with valuable community resources and services in one convenient location.
In addition to the giveaway, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with organizations offering educational resources, healthcare information, mental health services, and public safety programs. Organizations planning to participate include Central Georgia Technical College, Dr. Thomas Duval with literacy resources, the Middle Georgia Regional Library, L.H. Williams Elementary School, Atrium Health, First Choice Primary Care, Macon Volunteer Clinic, Macon Mental Health Matters, and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office.
"This event is about more than handing out school supplies. It's about making sure our families know about the resources available to help their children succeed throughout the school year," said Recreation Director Robert Walker. "By bringing these organizations together in one place, we're making it easier for families to access the support they need while celebrating the start of a new school year."
While this is the first book bag giveaway hosted at the Little Richard House by the Recreation Department, it builds on its commitment to connecting residents with helpful services. Earlier this year, the department hosted a community resource fair at the Little Richard House that brought together local organizations to serve neighborhood families.
The event is fully funded by the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department, with volunteers assisting from Friends of Little Richard House, the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization, the Eric Foundation, Central High School Football, and community volunteer Peter Givins.
Families are encouraged to arrive early, as book bags will be available while supplies last.
| | | | Pleasant Hill Landing seeks new businesses, community input | |
As construction continues on Pleasant Hill Landing, community members have an opportunity to help shape the future of the mixed-use development by sharing their ideas through a community survey before Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Pleasant Hill Landing is a new mixed-use development being built in the historic Pleasant Hill neighborhood through a partnership between the Macon Housing Authority and its affiliate, New Investment Community Enterprises (NICE). Located at 151 Madison Street, about one mile from Downtown Macon, the development will feature 64 affordable apartment homes and three commercial spaces designed to expand housing options while supporting economic growth in the neighborhood.
"Our goal is to attract entrepreneurs who will meaningfully invest in Pleasant Hill and provide the goods, services, and experiences that matter most to this community," said Tonja Khabir, CEO of Francis & Wade, LTD.
The survey asks residents what types of businesses they would like to see at Pleasant Hill Landing and allows them to nominate businesses they believe would be a good fit for the commercial spaces. Community members can also register to receive updates about apartment leasing information.
The development will include:
- One-bedroom apartments (879 square feet)
- Two-bedroom apartments (1,046 square feet)
- Three-bedroom apartments (1,475 square feet)
Apartment pricing has not yet been announced.
The available commercial spaces include:
- Space 1: 1,012 square feet for $700 per month
- Space 2: 2,916 square feet for $2,000 per month (two combined spaces)
- Space 3: 1,012 square feet for $700 per month
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and submit their responses by Sunday, August 30, to help guide the future of Pleasant Hill Landing and the businesses that will serve the neighborhood.
Click here to take the survey and here to nominate a business.
| | | Taste the Neighborhood: Neel's Lofts opens doors with free grand opening event | | |
Neel's Lofts, downtown Macon's newest luxury loft community, is officially open and move-in ready. To celebrate, the property is hosting Neel's Grand Opening: Taste the Neighborhood, on Friday, July 17 from 6 to 8 PM at 462 Cherry Street in downtown Macon. The event is free and open to the public.
The evening is designed as a celebration of the block, bringing together neighboring businesses, community members, and future residents for a night of food, drinks, live music, and building tours. Guests can expect bites and sips from some of downtown Macon's most beloved spots, with Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen serving pulled pork sliders, Macon Water Ice bringing wings, and Thai Smiles offering spring rolls. JBA will run an open bar throughout the evening featuring beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
Guests are encouraged to explore the building at their own pace, with team members stationed inside open units ready to show the space and answer questions. Every guest gets a Building Bingo card at check-in, and anyone who completes their card is entered to win a Mahjong starter set.
Everyone who attends will have their application fee waived, and Neel's Lofts is currently offering two months free rent for leases signed by August 30, 2026.
Neel's Lofts was developed by H2 Capital and built by Piedmont Construction Group, with NewTown Macon serving as a community development partner. The 95-unit property at 462 Cherry Street represents a significant milestone in downtown Macon's continued growth and revitalization.
Neel's Grand Opening: Taste the Neighborhood is free to attend and no ticket is required. The event runs from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, July 17 at 462 Cherry Street, Macon, GA. For more information, visit neelslofts.com or call (478) 475-3541.
| | Women in Truth and Convoy of Hope launch HOPE Initiative to help more women attend Abide 2026 | |
From Visit Macon - Every seat has a story because every woman has a story.
That belief is the heartbeat behind the HOPE Initiative, a new partnership between Women in
Truth and Convoy of Hope designed to help remove financial barriers so more women can
attend Women in Truth: Abide 2026, taking place July 31–August 1 at the Macon Coliseum in
Macon, Georgia.
Through the HOPE Initiative, a limited number of tickets are now available at special pricing,
with bowl seats offered for $25 and floor seats for $50.
"From the very beginning, our prayer has been that no woman would miss the opportunity to
attend a conference like this because of financial barriers," said Brittany Tate, Founder and
President of Living Truth Collective. "Every woman has a story. Some are carrying grief. Others are carrying anxiety, loneliness, shame, or simply the weight of trying to hold everything together. Our goal has never been to simply fill seats. It's to create opportunities for women to encounter Jesus, be rooted in His truth, and leave knowing the rest and freedom that only He provides.”
"I keep thinking about the woman who has said, 'I wish I could go, but I just can't afford it.' This initiative is for her. We hope she'll take another look because we'd love nothing more than for her to know that there is a seat for her."
Women in Truth: Abide 2026 will feature nationally recognized Bible teachers Annie F. Downs, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Hosanna Wong, Jess Connolly, Natalie Runion, and Courtney Smallbone, with worship led by Leeland and Hope Darst. Women from churches across Georgia and the Southeast are expected to gather for two days of biblical teaching, authentic worship, prayer, and community centered on abiding in Christ.
Women from churches across Georgia and the Southeast are expected to gather in Macon for two days of biblical teaching, authentic worship, prayer, and community centered on abiding in Christ. As attendees travel to Macon, Visit Macon is partnering with Women in Truth to help welcome guests to the city and showcase all the community has to offer.
"We're excited to welcome Women in Truth: Abide 2026 to Macon and the women who will be
visiting our community," said Gary Wheat, President and CEO of Visit Macon. "Events like this create meaningful experiences for attendees while showcasing the hospitality, businesses, and people that make Macon such a special place. We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with Women in Truth and look forward to welcoming guests from across Georgia and the Southeast."
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The Hub is Macon-Bibb County's source of information for employees, residents, businesses, and partners. With this regular e-blast, the Office of Communications provides a consistent flow of information about the efforts and successes of the consolidated government and partners to strengthen Macon-Bibb as the Hub City of Middle Georgia.
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The Office of Communications include Media Relations, event planning, photography and video services, criss communication, and more. Its goal is to provide people information about the consolidated government and partner organizations,
and to give them the chance to provide feedback, ask questions,
and request services.
The Office has earned multiple
recognitions for its efforts.
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Macon-Bibb County
Macon-Bibb County is the fourth largest city in Georgia. Created on January 1, 2014 after being approved by the voters, it is Georgia's newest consolidated government and serves about 155,000 residents and thousands more visitors.
Its governing body consists of 10 Commissioners, with the Mayor serving as its Chair and the Chief Executive Office of the administration.
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