The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) celebrated the 25th anniversary this week of the OneGeorgia Authority, a program aimed at economic development in rural Georgia. Established by then-Governor Roy Barnes, the program has been a part of the DCA since 2012.
“The OneGeorgia Authority was intended to bridge the economic divide between thriving communities and those that are struggling. The program was, and continues to be, a versatile funding tool designed to empower visionary communities to pursue economic prosperity,” said Christoper Nunn, Executive Director of the OneGeorgia Authority.
OneGeorgia provides grants and loans to applicants, from local governments to development authorities. Some of the supported projects include land acquisition, infrastructure development, business relocations and entrepreneur support. The program has invested more than $778 million in rural Georgia over the last 25 years, directly creating 65,000 jobs and leveraging more than $21 billion and $816 million in community investment.
“I have witnessed firsthand the diverse landscapes of rural Georgia and learned about the unique challenges our communities face. Despite obstacles, I saw the belief Georgians have in the opportunities our state offers. Since then, I have been committed to empowering rural Georgia, which is the mission of the OneGeorgia Authority,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
As part of the milestone, OneGeorgia developed a report highlighting the program’s history, featuring conversations with past governors and showcasing community successes. Among the highlights: Bryan County’s investment in infrastructure and industrial parks, which paved the way for the Hyundai Motor Group’s $5.5 billion manufacturing facility and, to the north, the support of the Joint Development Authority in Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton counties, which helped to bring in Baxter International’s $1 billion biopharmaceutical facility and the development of the East Atlanta Megasite, the future of Rivian’s manufacturing site in Georgia.
OneGeorgia has also provided assistance in other areas, including $35.7 million in initially approved and an additional $56 million allocated that financed over 1,000 housing units. This was part of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative announced in Governor Kemp’s 2023 State of the State Address which launched the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. OneGeorgia also provided significant assistance for infrastructure and development for the state’s blueberry industry, one of the fastest-growing agricultural products in the state, contributing nearly $500 million to the state’s economy and resulting in Georgia being the third-highest blueberry producing state in the country.
“Multifaceted partnerships are key to the success of economic and community development programs. The OneGeorgia Authority promotes cooperation among local governments, public and private sectors, and regional partners. With everyone working in tandem, communities can improve the likelihood that they will reap benefits for decades to come,” added Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner.
