The University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government celebrated the successes of communities participating in its PROPEL (Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership) program at a recent workshop in Athens.
Members from Appling and Pulaski counties and the Lower Chattahoochee Council of Governments (Clay, Quitman, Randolph, and Stewart counties) gathered at the UGA Special Collections Libraries to share updates on their community and economic development efforts and lessons learned during the two-year program.
For many, the importance of educating and involving the public during the planning process was a key takeaway.
“Public understanding of what economic development is, plans that are being actively implemented, and current needs allows for more meaningful responses that provide focus and prevent overlap in efforts,” said Jamie McDonald, economic development director in Pulaski County.
The nationally recognized UGA PROPEL program provides rural communities with resources to support economic and community development strategies. Working with UGA faculty, staff and students, key stakeholders identify and execute a long-term vision for the community’s economic future. The program is made possible with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and additional resources from the UGA Foundation.
The first five areas to join PROPEL in 2022 included Grady County, Pulaski County, Washington County, Appling County and the Lower Chattahoochee Joint Development Authority, which includes Clay, Quitman, Randolph and Stewart counties. Since then, six counties have been added to the program: Baldwin, Ben Hill and Burke counties joined in 2023 and Crisp, Emanuel and Marion started in January 2024.
The PROPEL program has continued to evolve as it has grown to include more resources and support for participating communities, said Greg Wilson, UGA Institute of Government faculty and program leader.
“What I love about PROPEL is…
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