MACON, Ga. — On Tuesday, Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller gave the State of the Community address at the Macon City Auditorium.
“It’s a great day to be in Macon-Bibb County," Mayor Miller said.
The goal was to provide a snapshot of the progress the city has made over the past year.
“Just like you can’t ignore the sunrise and the promise of a new day that it brings to each and every one of us, you can’t ignore the progress that we’re all making, the impact it’s going to have on our future,”
Here are three key takeaways from the address.
1. Salary Increases:
Mayor Miller announced pay increases for all county employees and for those working in public safety. He says these increases will be reflected in the budget in the coming weeks.
"They deserve our thanks," Miller said.
2. Tourism:
Mayor Miller says he fully expects the Ocmulgee Mounds to become the state's first National Park.
Visit Macon has a renewed focus on sports tourism as it is bringing people from across the state and the country to Macon.
The county has seen $6 million in the first quarter of this year from tourism.
He says college sports, the Macon Bacon and the Macon Mayhem are all big draws to the city.
Bragg Jam, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and The Christmas Lights Extravaganza all brought in $12.9 million in economic impact to Macon.
Miller says these projects have caused a 50% decrease in the millage rate.
3. Ramada Hotel coming down:
During his speech, Mayor Miller says the county is looking to tear down the Ramada Hotel. He says the county is looking for ways the space can be used positively in the next year.
Other Accomplishments:
“We're gonna flex. Bigger and better from everyone else," Miller said.
Macon-Bibb County is in the top six cities for violence prevention readiness.
After three years, the county is preparing for its 700th blighted home demolition.
Brookdale Resource Center has served 3,200 people and 700 children who need support.
You can watch Mayor Miller's full speech below: