So, #EconDevWeek has come to an end but it got us thinking… about the amazing work that economic development pros are doing in our Georgia Energy Cities. You know… the folks behind the scenes forging partnerships like the collaborations between utility companies, Development Authorities, schools, and local governments that have led to some incredible outcomes. 

From driving energy efficiency and attracting new businesses to creating affordable housing solutions and boosting workforce development, these partnerships are fueling economic growth, opening up new opportunities, and strengthening the resilience of communities for years to come.

In line with this year’s theme for Economic Development Week, Power of Partnerships, here’s a look at some of the collaborations that are driving growth, innovation, and economic prosperity across Georgia’s communities.

1. Utility Partnerships: Georgia Energy Cities – A Statewide Network for Growth

Nearly two years into their strategic partnership, Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) and the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia (Gas Authority) have strengthened Georgia’s economic development efforts by leveraging their combined resources to support 92 communities.

This collaboration provides access to knowledge, access to funding information, and innovative solutions to energy challenges, creating a resilient network that benefits every community in the state. Together, they play a key role in helping Georgia maintain its ranking as the #1 State for doing business, as recognized by Area Development for the 11th year in a row.

2. Public-Private Funding for Housing Grants: The City of Thomaston & Smith Douglas Homes

Affordable housing is a key component of economic growth, and the partnership between the City of Thomaston and Smith Douglas Homes is transforming the housing landscape in this community. By leveraging public-private funding and grants like the Governor’s Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grant program, they are developing West Main Village, which will bring 90 new affordable homes within walking distance of Downtown Thomaston. This partnership is not just about building houses, it’s about creating a thriving, accessible community that attracts residents and encourages local business growth.

“Last night was a resounding victory for NEW, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY Housing Development for the City of Thomaston!” said, Taylor Smith, Economic Development Director for the City of Thomaston. “By a unanimous vote, the proposed ‘West Main Village’ by Smith Douglas Homes was approved for rezoning. These homes will be affordable, with a starting price tag between $150-$160k. Grateful for ECG’s Daniel Martin and Jon McBrayer for making the introduction to Smith-Douglas and for the support from the Governor’s Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grant program to bring this to life.”

Thanks to the collaboration between city officials, developers, and economic development professionals, this initiative addresses the critical need for affordable housing in the area while providing new opportunities for economic development in the surrounding community.

3. City and County Partnerships: The City of Moultrie and Colquitt County

Last December, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Moultrie Exchange highlights another successful partnership between the City of Moultrie, Colquitt County, and the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority. This new commercial development, located north of Lowe’s and east of Harbor Freight, will bring major retail brands like Hobby Lobby, Marshall’s, and Five Below to the area. This collaboration showcases the importance of city and county governments working together with development authorities to create impactful projects that benefit the community for years to come.

“Glad to be here on what is a momentous day for our community, the end of a nearly two-year journey of what we’ve called Project Deuce. Now with the shovel in the ground, the future will be Moultrie Exchange,” Ross Dekle, Chairman, Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority. The success of this partnership lies in the shared commitment to creating a commercial hub that benefits the entire community. By pooling resources and working toward a common goal, the city and county were able to create a project that serves as a model for other communities looking to grow their retail infrastructure.

4. Education and Workforce Development: Georgia FLEX Program

Workforce development is at the heart of sustainable economic growth, and the Georgia FLEX program is a great example of how partnerships between schools, local businesses, and economic development organizations can address workforce challenges. The Georgia FLEX program focuses on providing students with the entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and leadership training they need to succeed in today’s job market.

The program that began with Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County has now become a statewide program. By working closely with local schools, businesses, the Georgia FLEX program is helping to create a pipeline of talent that not only benefits students but also provides a much-needed boost to the local economy, producing future leaders who will drive Georgia’s economic growth and innovation. This partnership ensures that students are prepared for the workforce and are more likely to remain local after graduation, fostering long-term growth and prosperity for the community.

5. Institutional Partnerships for Growth: UGA Archway and Local Communities

Across Georgia, the collaboration between UGA’s Archway Partnership and local communities is accelerating development. In communities like Sylvester, Blakely, and Washington County, Archway is helping connect communities to UGA’s resources, creating impactful projects and sustainable growth.

These partnerships illustrate the long-term benefits of combining academic expertise with local knowledge. For example, UGA’s Archway Partnership supported Sylvester in earning the Connected Resilient Communities (CRC) designation, Blakely in addressing local challenges, and Washington in developing EV charging stations to drive tourism and economic activity.

The ongoing collaboration between UGA and Georgia’s communities showcases the lasting impact of institutional partnerships in creating economic resilience and sustainable growth for Georgia’s rural and urban areas.

These few examples of the transformative power of partnerships in economic development are keys to driving sustainable growth. The success of these partnerships shows that when communities come together, they can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a brighter future for all.

As we conclude #EconDevWeek and the Power of Partnerships, we recognize that these collaborations are not just changing local economies, they’re shaping the future of Georgia’s communities. The impact of these partnerships will be felt for generations to come, making Georgia a leader in economic development, innovation, and growth.

About the Economic Development Week

Created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDCs members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.