“Technology is at the core of all we are doing to create a more accessible and transparent government in order to better serve our community,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “We cast a wide net across the United States and world thanks to the Knight Foundation, and Ms. Watson stood far ahead of everyone else. We know she’ll do a fabulous job here in Macon-Bibb County.”

“Technology is the key to how organizations operate, protect critical assets, and deliver meaningful results, and through it, we can advance innovation that delivers a measurable community-wide impact,” says Ms. Watson. “I believe strong strategic leadership in this space will enhance security, improve efficiency, and position the count for sustainable, forward-looking growth.”

“We are always looking for ways to operate more efficiently and with better tools, and we see Ms. Watson as having the knowledge and experience in moving our entire team and government forward,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “We truly want to become a ‘Smart City’ and integrate technology into every facet of operations to make them work better for the people and neighborhoods we serve.”

As the CIO, Watson will lead the Information Technology Department, playing a critical role in shaping a modern, secure, and responsive technology environment that supports both internal operations and public-facing services. This also includes a growing team of 35 people, oversight of IT governance, system security, application support, project management, infrastructure operations, communications systems, digital innovation initiatives, and technology operations.

Support from Knight Foundation helped Macon-Bibb County attract significant interest in the role, resulting in a highly qualified candidate pool. The CIO will play a pivotal role in accelerating smart city initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity and expanding equitable access to digital services for Macon-Bibb residents.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Watson to Team Macon-Bibb, and Knight is proud to have been a partner to establish this important role to better serve our people,” said Lynn Murphey, Knight Foundation’s Macon Director. “The strong nationwide candidate pool reflects the growing interest we’re seeing in our community, with people excited about the opportunity to live and work in Macon.”

Watson is a seasoned information technology executive and U.S. Air Force Veteran with more than 25 years of combined military and federal service, including senior technical and leadership roles. Her career reflects a customer-focused approach to modernizing enterprise systems, digital services, and cybersecurity strategy within complex, mission-critical environments.

In her role as Chief Information Officer at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Watson is responsible for transforming technology ecosystems, strengthening cybersecurity resilience, and ensuring responsible technology stewardship in support of public-facing services. Her leadership has driven measurable improvements in operational efficiency, service reliability, and continuity of operations—particularly during periods of organizational transition and constrained resources.

Prior to the Institute, she served as Chief of Special Missions Division, Chief of Legacy Systems Branch, and Helpdesk Section Chief at Robins Air Force Base. She earned her Master of Science in Information Technology from Grantham University and her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from Georgia College and State University

As a member of the United States Air Force, she earned the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Civilian Special Service Act Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award.

Grounded in military and public-sector service, Watson remains committed to advancing secure, resilient, and accessible technology solutions in support of county and community priorities.

But it wasn’t always like this. Just five years ago, the building sat empty, old desks, chairs, and other furniture scattered throughout, many on their sides and in disrepair. The former elementary school had closed in May 2020, merging with Riley Elementary to create the new John R. Lewis Elementary.

Following the loss on Christmas of two men experiencing homelessness, then Mayor-elect Lester Miller gave Macon-Bibb departments and partner service providers a charge to open an emergency shelter to prevent it from happening again. Led by the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), a plan was formed, services put in place, and the facility was converted and opened to people needing shelter…in less than two weeks.

“I was a person who was one light bill away from being homeless myself [growing up],” says Mayor Lester Miller of his personal connection to making this happen so quickly and understanding of how much this was needed. 

“This was a crisis center, basically. This was not a hotel,” Steve Bell, who served as the Center’s first Executive Director, says of what they told people coming through the doors. “I’m just trying to make sure you stay alive.”

“Initially, when we opened, it was simply to give them a warm place to stay and a meal and then give our caseworkers a chance to have a conversation with them,” says Alison Bender, who began as a volunteer and was later named the Executive Director. 

While the story of how quickly the doors opened to people in need, the truly moving story is how the community opened its arms. To create a safe environment for people. To welcome them inside and make them feel at home…and then to give them the tools and confidence to find their own home.

The building wasn’t truly set up for living. There were cots in the rooms and donated sheets and linens. There were bathrooms but no showers. There was a kitchen, but nothing was hooked up and no one to serve the meals. So, a call went out to the community: “we need your help.”

And Macon-Bibb – as it does time and time again – showed up and showed out.

Tens of thousands of items were donated, from clothing items to shampoo to deodorant to book bags to socks and shoes to coats and clothes to toothbrushes to hairbrushes…and so, so much more. People volunteered to serve the three meals a day. Businesses, without being asked, donated tens of thousands of dollars. 

“It was such an overwhelming response, we had to stop accepting donations here at Brookdale and set up a drop off location at the Fire Station down the street,” adds EMA Director Spencer Hawkins.

“I knew that this was something I could continue to be part of,” Bender says of her first week volunteering.

“I’ve never seen the community support something lie they did Brookdale,” says Bell. “My heart was overwhelmed with the amount of love that came out of this community, and also lighting the spark back in me to do as well as I could for the individuals that were here.”

However, just having supplies and a place for people to put their head wouldn’t be enough for the volunteers, for the staff, for the partners, or for the Mayor. There needed to be a next step for people…they couldn’t just go back to sleeping outside or in blighted homes. They needed a path forward, and when they walked away from Brookdale, they needed to be better prepared for life. 

So, the Warming Center almost immediately began evolving to the Resource Center. Birth certificates, social security cards, housing applications, veteran affairs, addiction support, mental health services, job applications, real world skills…all were provided to residents. Holiday parties, birthdays, celebrations, get togethers, chores, responsibilities, homework assistance, tutors…education and social aspects were all included in living in a home like this. 

Whatever they needed to help them move toward permanent housing and find some kind of stability and normalcy.

“The folks walking in through this door, are coming in at some of the worst moments in their lives,” says Hawkins of what he stressed to the staff. “We need to ensure they are treated and cared for with respect, dignity, and compassion.”

“It’s already traumatic in some way for everyone involved, and we just want people to feel like they belong here while they’re here,” says Bender.

She can still recite the names of the children who have stayed at the Center and even talk about their progress in school. When she talks of them, her voice is filled with the same love and pride as she speaks of her own children.

There’s a real connection between the people working and volunteering at Brookdale and those who used to stay there. It’s not just the children Bender and Bell remember…they still run into some of the people in stores and in public. 

“I’m proud of you; congratulations,” Bender says she wishes she could tell every person that came through Brookdale. “I knew you could do it all along. I’m glad you believed in yourself.”

And that warmth indicates something deeper about Brookdale. It’s not just changing the lives of the people staying there…it’s changing the lives of every person involved.  

“This organization sparked something in other nonprofits,” says Bell of the first few months. “Raising money can be tough…it was not tough here. We had businesses coming to us just wanting to donate money and volunteer hours.”

“The people we see, the people that come through, have an impact on us, I hope as much as we have on them,” says Bender.

“Thank you for changing the life of a child,” Mayor Miller says he wants to say to every person that has worked there, that has donated to the residents, or who has spent time volunteering in the Center.

Brookdale is still opening its doors to people in need and is at the center of the community’s effort to help people in need. It is still changing to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community. It – and most importantly – the residents still need our community to come forward and help. 

“We still have people living on the streets. We still have people not turning on the heat in their home because they can’t afford it,” says Hawkins. “The community needs us to step in a way that is still necessary five years after we opened these doors.”

Five years later, nearly 5,000 have come through its doors. 

Five years later, nearly 5,000 people have had a warm and safe place to stay and had the chance to move toward permanent housing.

Five years later, Macon-Bibb is in the midst of a transformative experience that is changing the way it views people experiencing homelessness and people who are housing insecure.

And it all started by a group of people and organizations who opened the doors to people in need…and didn’t take no for an answer.

Its opening had only been announced two days prior, on January 4.

It was physically set up to from January 1-5.

The first partner meetings on what was needed to make it work took place December 29-31.

The first official planning meeting was December 28.

From December 25-28, phones were buzzing with texts, calls, and messages about the need to do something…discussions about what was even possible.

Because on December 25, Macon-Bibb faced a tragedy, one that ultimately lit a fire in an entire community to do something different…something transformative…something to truly help people.

Larry Howard & Manuel Foster.

Two men experiencing homelessness who lost their lives on Christmas because they were sleeping in the severe cold that night. Two men – not names – who have not been forgotten by the people of Macon-Bibb County.

“We took a leap of faith wanting to do what was right for the community. We got everyone involved and said in no uncertain terms we were going to do this,” Mayor Lester Miller – who hadn’t even been sworn for his first term when the planning began – says of that two week period. “In a short period of time, we were able to do something spectacular. We weren’t going to take no for an answer.”

According to Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Spencer Hawkins – who was tapped to lead the effort – his first conversation with Mayor Miller that Monday wasn’t brief, but the message was clear and direct: “Open a warming center quickly. What do you need?”

So, he laid out the needs for a shelter operation (a building, cots, food, staff, etc.), all things the EMA had spent years training the community to set up quickly. “We know how to do mass care operations…and how to keep people safe in dangerous situations,” he says.

“I know his passion, his heart, his work ethic…he was the first person I was going to go to,” says Mayor Miller of his calling on EMA to take lead. “It had the partnerships, technology, and systems in place to get it organized.”

But it would take more than a single meeting of two people talking to really get it going. Dozens of people gathered daily in person and online to discuss what would be needed. Multiple site visits to the former elementary school were made to figure out how and where things would be set up.

“The relationship with the Bibb County School District really took away our biggest hurdle: the building,” says Mayor Miller. “They were at the center of making this happen.”

In the middle of this preparation, the Mayor and Commissioners had their Inauguration Ceremony, and Larry Howard & Manuel Foster were remembered in the Mayor’s speech. A pledge was made.

“This is wholly unacceptable, especially in this community where caring for one another is a way of life,” the Mayor said in his speech that day. “Make no mistake, we will take decisive action, immediately, to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The next day was New Year’s Eve, and one more in-person meeting was held among the partners before the physical work to set up the building truly began. For nearly a week, firefighters, Public Works crews, EMA staff, Commissioners, volunteers, school district staff, and more spent their time getting the building physically ready to open.

Desks and chairs were moved to the gym, plumbing was tested, cots were set up, the admissions area was prepared…and a whole list of more work needing to be done was created. Commissioners Bill Howell & Wilder even made several trips to Tennessee to pick up the first of many loads of donated linens, towels, and pillows.

“The more we started talking about this and people started doing their part, it became easier and easier. And our team grew and grew,” says Mayor Miller. “It took a tremendous effort by a lot of people.”

During the setup, Steve Bell was invited for a tour of the facility and to talk about the plans for the Center. He would then be invited to take on the role as its first Executive Director.

“When I came that first day, the firemen were moving beds into the school,” he says. It was a daunting task, but one he wanted to be part of immediately. “There was nothing like this in the community. I’m so thankful we could offer a respite to people who needed it.”

Monday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m., the partners gathered in the cafeteria of the still being converted former elementary school. They were the people who had been meeting nearly daily to talk about what people needed the most and what could be provided in a facility that most thought wasn’t possible just two weeks prior…but immediately saw how much good it could do. They had brought their entire resources to bear on making that day and the opening possible.

They were the people and groups that wouldn’t take no for an answer…all to make sure people could regain stability in their lives.

“Our entire community should be proud of the outpouring of support and speed of effort to find a temporary solution to this challenge while we work to find effective and sustainable long-term solutions,” Mayor Miller said at the announcement. “What we’re opening this week is just the first step in what we want to make available here.”

Two days later at noon, the doors opened to anyone who needed it. It may have just been cots and linens for the moment, but it was safe and warm. It was a space they could call their own for a time, and people were there waiting to help them. They could get hot meals, birth certificates, Social Security cards, addiction counseling, mental health support, a haircut, help with housing and job applications, clean clothes, toiletries, and, eventually, a hot shower.

“There was no soft opening, there was no ribbon cutting,” says Bell. “It was: there is a need in this community, and action took place quickly.”

Someone walking in on the first day, in the first hour, was an indicator of the need in Macon-Bibb. But before that person walked in the door, before they had that warm and safe place to stay…people and organizations had come together, and a building was made ready.

We were “filling a gap in the community, and [opening quickly] showed we had the capacity to care, the capacity to hope,” says Hawkins.

“It was a lot of hard work. A lot of people caring. A lot of love,” says Mayor Miller.

And by not taking no for an answer.

Part 2 – creating Brookdale inside the walls – will be published Friday, February 13.

“As our community grows and changes, so do the levels of risk posed by various threats and hazards,” says Robert McCord, EMA Deputy Director. “By reviewing our potential risks and planning for preparation and response, we can reduce or eliminate the impacts from the threats.”

Four meetings will be held to go over different aspects of the plan and solicit feedback. The first three meetings will be held in Commission Chambers at City Hall (700 Poplar Street) on the following dates and times. The fourth and final meeting on April 6, at 6:00 p.m., will be held in the meeting space at the Macon Mall (3661 Mercer University Drive), which is by the Board of Elections.

February 5 * 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

March 9 * 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

April 6 * 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

“This meeting is open to anyone who wants to learn more about how we prepare for disasters or would like to provide us information. We want different points of view and new ideas so we have a complete view of our community,” adds McCord. “Everyone’s voice should be heard and be part of making our community more prepared for future disasters.”

There is an online survey currently live seeking additional input that people can provide. It will be open until February 4, 2026, and can be taken by clicking here: www.bit.ly/maconmitigation.

Located southeast of Atlanta in Macon-Bibb County, the planned facility is designed to host various multipurpose events like minor league hockey, basketball games, high school tournaments, concerts, conferences, trade shows, and more. The new arena will offer a top-tier guest experience, featuring premium seating options like luxury suites, club suites, and loge boxes, as well as modern fan amenities such as clubs, concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, and integrated technologies. Back-of-house and support spaces will ensue the venue functions as a state-of-the-art civic facility, offering performers, event planners, and organizations a great experience.

“This arena won’t be just a venue, it will be a destination and major economic engine that creates opportunities, attracts visitors, and keeps our city competitive for years to come,” said Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller.

As Macon’s entertainment landscape continues to expand with the new Atrium Health Amphitheater and the recently renovated Macon City Auditorium, the new arena is poised to further elevate the region’s growing lineup of elite venues.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Sheridan Construction and bring Barton Malow’s expertise to Macon-Bibb to deliver a top-tier arena. The new venue is set to become a central location in Georgia for sports, entertainment, and community gatherings,” said Barton Malow Office Director Blake Boyd. “This project is an investment in Macon-Bibb County’s future, and we’re excited to support the local community every step of the way.”

Adds Sheridan Construction President + CEO Christy Kovac. “It’s a privilege for our firm to return to Macon’s legacy of entertainment and civic pride, having built the original coliseum 57 years ago. Partnering with Barton Malow on this transformative new arena is both an honor and a responsibility. We believe this project will serve as a powerful economic and tourism engine, attracting visitors, creating opportunities, and enriching the lives of everyone in our community for generations to come.”

Construction is planned to commence in summer 2026, with the project anticipated to reach completion in 2028.

In 2024, Atrium Health Amphitheater and Macon City Auditorium contributed to a historic year for Macon-Bibb, delivering record-breaking attendance, significant economic impact, and a slate of highly successful events that set new benchmarks for the region. Together, they hosted more than 200 events and welcomed over 250,000 attendees across concerts, sports matchups, theater performances, conferences, and trade shows. This exceptional turnout highlights the area’s growing reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub, drawing visitors from more than 100 miles away and beyond.

About Barton Malow
Barton Malow has been living its core purpose of Building Today for a Better Tomorrow: People, Projects, and Communities for more than 100 years. The Barton Malow construction enterprise is comprised of five entities and two partner firms, with team members strategically positioned throughout North America. Barton Malow remains committed to delivering innovative, trust-based solutions that generate long-term value for our partners and the communities we serve.

About Sheridan Construction
Sheridan Construction, established in 1947 and based in Macon, Georgia, is an employee-owned company that excels in commercial construction. The firm manages projects across the state in various market segments, fostering collaboration, integrity, and quality in every relationship. Sheridan has one of Georgia’s most extensive lists of repeat clients, highlighting its unwavering commitment to excellence and community impact.

For many staff members, working at Brookdale is more than a job. It is a daily reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.

“Working here is a humbling experience,” said Latrallis Guy, a Service Specialist Assistant who began her career at Brookdale as a Client Service Specialist. “I used to think homelessness was just people laying on the side of the road, under the bridge, but it taught me that can be someone just like you or me. You can have it all today and it can be gone tomorrow.”

In her current role, Guy handles much of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Brookdale running. She coordinates volunteers and outreach events, plans activities for residents, helps with cafeteria menus, and steps in wherever help is needed. With experience in home health and as a clinical technician, she brings both compassion and flexibility to every part of the job.

That adaptability has been essential since Brookdale first opened its doors.

“When Brookdale opened, COVID had just happened and a lot of people had come into this situation where some of their jobs had ended because of COVID,” said Tamika Johnson, Director of Case Management, who has been with the center since January 2021. “We were just living in a strange time.”

Originally launched as the Brookdale Warming Center to provide shelter during cold winter months, the facility has since evolved into the Brookdale Resource Center. Its mission expanded to provide not just shelter, but resources that help people get their lives back on track.

“Everybody that came through here wasn’t on the street,” Johnson said. “It was people that were living in homes but came into that situation they couldn’t handle. There are people that come here from all walks of life and not just from Macon.”

Throughout that evolution, Johnson says one thing has remained constant, community support.

“When this place opened, this community actually came out,” she said. “Macon comes together for Macon. When it’s something that needs to be done, Macon comes together.”

Since opening, hundreds of thousands of dollars, needed items, and volunteer hours have been donated by people. To mark the fifth anniversary of the Brookdale Resource Center, people are encouraged to do five things that, ultimately, will support current and future residents:

• Give five dollars. (Click link to donate online/see donation lists)
• Volunteer five hours of service. (Click link to sign up)
• Order five needed items. (Click here for Amazon wishlist) (Click here for donation list)
• Share the story of Brookdale with five people.
• Support Brookdale for the next five years.

Community members of all ages began the march from four locations across the county, eventually converging at City Hall. Families, students, faith leaders, elected officials, and neighbors walked side by side, united by a shared commitment to Dr. King’s message of love, service, and justice.

Standing on the veranda of City Hall, Mayor Lester Miller reflected on the significance of the moment and the importance of coming together, especially during challenging times.

“Despite the dark and challenging days, we have faced in different corners of our community, today we are gathered together as one,” said Mayor Miller. “What I see here today is a community that is together… that is joined… that is one… in its resolve to continue creating a beloved community.”

The gathering took place in the heart of downtown, with the reimagined Rosa Parks Square nearing completion in front of City Hall.

“You are physically in the center of our city,” Mayor Miller told the crowd, “But you, as its people, are always at the center of our community.”

Throughout his remarks, the Mayor emphasized perseverance, compassion, and the responsibility to continue Dr. King’s work beyond one day of remembrance.

“Nothing worth doing is easy,” he said. “This road is hard, but it is a road we must travel. And travel it together we will.”

As the march concluded, the energy was unmistakable. It was a reminder that Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community lives on through action, dialogue, and the willingness of people to show up for one another.

The ceremony marked the completion of the first two homes in the Tindall Fields development, a project made possible through a partnership between the Affordable Housing Fund, Investment Development Group, and the Macon-Bibb County Land Bank Authority. The event represents the first of many projects currently underway through the fund.

Attendees toured the newly completed homes, one renovated and one newly constructed, getting a firsthand look at the quality and attention to detail built into the development.

“When you walk through these houses, you will see they are not speculative construction homes,” said Allen Wells with Investment Development Group. “There is everything in here that people deserve in a new home, and we have done everything we can to make it attainable.”

Leaders also emphasized the collaboration behind the project and the importance of each partner playing a role in moving affordable housing forward.

“These developments are just a great collaboration of partners who are deeply committed to their role,” said Natalie Bouyett, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Fund. “Staying in their lane and doing what they do best.”

Mayor Lester Miller reflected on what the milestone represents for the future of housing in Macon-Bibb County.

“These are just the first two homes in what will be a growing neighborhood,” Mayor Miller said. “We’re not just building houses. We’re building stronger neighborhoods and brighter futures.”

Tindall Fields is transforming underutilized property into a walkable, service-connected neighborhood designed to support long-term stability for residents. When complete, the development will include one renovated home and ten newly constructed, energy-efficient homes located near schools, transit, employment, and healthcare.

You can see more pictures here.

“We’re talking about people’s lives,” he vehemently pointed out. “Every life is valuable… it matters not only to you. It matters to me, and it matters to everyone who woke up this morning and didn’t have that person in their lives.”

At the start of the year – as has been done before – he addressed the homicide rate for the previous years, and this year it was done at same time as the announcement of the the round of Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) grant recipients.

He pointed out Macon-Bibb has the lowest level in homicide numbers in a decade, dropping from a high of 72 in 2022 to 29 in 2025, a 60% decrease. Homicides by youths under 18 decreased from 87% in that same time. Despite pointing out the decrease in the numbers, the Mayor made it clear he’s focused on the person lost, about the families impacted.

“It’s about the people behind those numbers that matter. There is a person…a name…a family…a neighborhood tied with it all. And that person was important to someone, to their family,” he said loudly and with fire in his voice. “We must never lose sight of that.”

The assembled group in Chambers was made up of Department Heads, elected officials, and local organizations that would be announced as recipients of the fourth round of MVP grant funds. And to them, the Mayor and all speakers thanked them for sticking with the program over time in order to make an impact on people’s lives.

“I’ve never met a press conference that stopped a bullet. It’s the work that we do,” the Mayor told them. “Yes, we still have our challenges. But you can NOT ignore the work that our community has done. We have more work to do…which is why we’re here today.”

The Mayor then turned the podium over to Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, to announce the most recent grant recipients. 16 community organizations were called out to receive a total of $400,000 in the areas of literacy, mentorship, supervised activities for children, and camps and programs when schools are not in session, like afterschool, holiday breaks, and summertime.

“Those are critical hours,” said Dennis. “They are the moments when young people need safe spaces, positive relationships, structure, supervision, mentorship and access to opportunities that keep them connected to their community and focused on a positive future.”

The 16 funded organizations include: 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia, Inc., Lead With Literacy, Men About Change, Inc., Next Level Community Development Center Inc., Appleton Episcopal Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia, Campus Clubs, Inc., Central Georgia Council (Boy Scouts of America #096), Crisis Line – Safe House of Central Georgia, Diamonds On Our Mind Foundation, Epsilon Beta Lambda Foundation Inc, Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia, Girls Dig Deeper Initiative, Living Bread Restoration Outreach, Inc., Macon Hope, Inc- First Tee Middle Georgia, and PACE Center for Girls, Inc.

Descriptions for each funded organization are included here.

Kizzie Lott, Bruce Elementary School Principal, talked about the partnership with the 100 Black Men of Central Georgia, who have been funded to work directly with students on skills not offered in school, provide opportunities and trips they may not have otherwise, assist with improving literacy, and more.

“The entire school climate is stronger because our students know they are supported, not just by a school, but by a village,” she said. “This work matters because education alone is not enough. They need exposure…they need access…they need relationships…the need examples of excellence that believe in them.”

“If we want safer neighborhoods long-term, we must invest in the emotional and mental well-being of young people and the adults who care for them,” Christy Henry, Director of the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia. It’s MVP-funded program provides coordinated mentoring and supportive services to families facing persistent challenges. “This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Services are tailored, trauma-informed and designed to meet families where they are.”

Since the inception of MVP in 2021, $2,941,000 has been awarded to 53 different organizations’ missions to help transform the lives of children, families, and entire neighborhoods. This money has supported afterschool programs, camps, mentor programs, family development sessions, literacy outreach, and more.

By investing in prevention and support, these programs helped reduce violent crime and build safer neighborhoods. From 2022 to 2025, Macon-Bibb County saw a 60% decrease in the homicide rate and an 87% decrease in homicides among those under the age of 18.

“We want zero deaths in our community. We want to eliminate domestic violence. We want the shootings to stop,” Mayor Miller said. “But we have to start somewhere, so we announced this program in 2021.”

“When we invest in youth, in families, in mental health, in mentorship and in community-led solutions — we are investing in a safer Macon-Bibb for everyone,” said Dennis.

“When young people have mentors, emotional support and consistent guidance, they are less likely to engage in risky or harmful behavior,” says Henry. “When caregivers have access to counseling and tools for stability, families are better equipped to weather challenges without crisis.”

Macon-Bibb County has spent more than $21 million on Macon Violence Prevention programs, grants, initiatives, personnel, equipment, and more to help reduce the homicide rate and have fewer people suffer in this way. In addition to the grants through the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, there has been $1.7 million for no cost / low barrier mental health services, nearly $8,000,000 for public safety incentive pay, public safety salary increases, nearly $4.5 million for camera systems (ShotSpotter, Flock, Verkada), $1.65 million for violence interruption organizations, and more.

“This is not something any one organization, or any one grant cycle, can solve alone. It’s a long game — and it requires a long-term strategy,” added Dennis.

“Gentlemen, what you have done cannot be measured solely in numbers. You have changed mindsets. You have opened doors. You have planted seeds that will grow long after students leave Bruce,” Lott told them. “Thank you for investing your time, your resources, and your heart into our children.”

“The goal is real, lasting change that improves outcomes for families and contributes to a safer Macon-Bibb County,” added Henry.

About Macon Violence Prevention 

Macon Violence Prevention is an evidence-based, multifaceted program created to address public safety in Macon-Bibb County. Supported and funded by the consolidated government, MVP is a community-wide effort that brings together elected officials, community leaders and representatives from more than 20 agencies, organizations and departments.

“Nearly four years ago, on a blistering hot day, hundreds of us stood in Rosa Parks Square to affirm in one voice that we must work together to fight back against the plague of violent crime affecting every neighborhood in our community,” Mayor Miller said at an annual presentation of the program. “Since then, we have engaged with thousands of people in our community on what is needed and where are our resources. We heard that public safety was the most important issue people were facing…that they were tired of feeling scared.  And that they were willing to help make a change.”

Since MVP’s full implementation in 2022, our community has seen significant reductions in both overall and youth homicides, outpacing the declines reported in other U.S. cities during the same period. From 2022 to 2025, Macon-Bibb cut homicides by 60%, dropping from 71 to 29. Even more striking, youth homicides (among those under 18) fell from 15 in 2022 to just 2 in 2025 — an 87% reduction in only two years.

The MVP program operates under the guidance of the MVP Strategic Plan, which was introduced in June of 2021. Created by community stakeholders and violent crime experts, this strategic plan combines data and research with community feedback to implement proven solutions that reduce violent crime and strengthen the community over time.

What makes this recognition especially noteworthy is that MBMLA is now one of only two communities in the State of Georgia to hold the Family Learning Community designation. In addition, NCFL has articulated a national vision to build coordinated and aligned family-learning systems in 60 communities by 2030. 

According to NCFL, a Family Learning Community is a multi-generational learning system built with and for families, where children, parents and caregivers, educators, service providers and community institutions work together in an aligned way to support Family-focused, multigenerational learning. In essence, being designated a Family Learning Community means the community has demonstrated meaningful progress toward building a broad, coordinated system in which family literacy and learning across generations is both prioritized and strategically supported.

The Family Learning Community designation from NCFL places MBMLA in a selective national network of communities advancing family-learning systems. Being one of only two in Georgia underscores both MBMLA’s leadership and the distinctiveness of Macon-Bibb’s work.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NCFL and to stand with communities across the country building family-learning systems,” said Jim Montgomery, Executive Director of MBMLA. “This is a clear signal that literacy for children and adults, learning at home and in the community, and family engagement are central to our shared vision of a successful Macon-Bibb. We invite all residents, families and partners to join us.”

MBMLA will collaborate with NCFL and local partners to deepen alignment of learning pathways for children and adults, and continue to raise community awareness of literacy across all ages.

About MBMLA

The Macon-Bibb Mayor’s Literacy Alliance is a community-driven initiative in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, dedicated to connecting literacy efforts and leading strategic action to promote literacy for children, adults and families across the county.

About NCFL

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty through educational solutions for families. Founded in 1989, NCFL works to promote family literacy, family engagement and family leadership, and partners with communities to build systems of support for multigenerational learning.