The Community Foundation of Central Georgia will announce the final round of the Downtown Challenge Grants on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. This round of grants will fund 26 projects, totaling a $452,253 investment in community-driven ideas to transform Downtown Macon-Bibb, the city’s urban core.
 
The Downtown Challenge Grants is managed by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and made possible by generous donations from the Peyton Anderson Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Challenge funded creative, transformational projects by individuals and organizations, including: Open Streets Macon, Female Entrepreneurs Academy, Shakespeare in the Park, Terminal Transportation Station Mural, Macon Exchange Popup Retail Store, Rhythm N Jazz on The Dock, Magnolia Soapbox Derby, and many more.
 
“We have learned that positive change continues to be driven by the community’s best ideas,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.
 
The Challenge was inspired by the Macon Action Plan, a five-year strategic plan designed to improve Macon’s urban core. Successful projects responded to four community needs and opportunities:
 
Economic Development – Diversify the local economy to ensure that downtown is competitive and attractive for new business, support Macon’s institutions as economic anchors for growth, send a clear message that Macon is open for business, and support startups and attract job-creating businesses.

Experience – Program downtown’s social life, build the local audience, keep the urban core clean and safe, and transform Macon’s sidewalks and public spaces as the center stage for community life.

Living – Encourage more households to locate downtown, update regulations and codes to encourage investment, and strengthen surrounding neighborhoods to offer the best of both worlds (downtown and Intown living).

Connectivity – Cultivate and improve multimodal transportation options, enhance safety and manage downtown’s parking system in a comprehensive manner.