A coalition of Macon-Bibb business and community leaders gathered at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce to strongly urge residents to vote "YES" on the upcoming Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) renewal.

The press conference, held just 24 hours before polls open on Tuesday, November 4, served as a final, unified call to action to continue the one-cent sales tax.

Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the ESPLOST's vital role in economic development:

“As President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, I strongly support the renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) on November 4. The ESPLOST is not just an investment in our schools—it’s an investment in Macon-Bibb’s workforce, economy and future. Every penny collected stays right here in our community, ensuring our students have the safe, modern and innovative learning environments they need to succeed. Those same students are tomorrow’s workforce, entrepreneurs and community leaders. At the Chamber, we understand that strong public schools are the foundation of a strong economy. Businesses choose to locate and grow in places where families want to live, where the quality of education is high and where young people graduate ready to contribute to the local economy. The ESPLOST helps make that possible—by funding technology upgrades, facility improvements and career-prep programs that connect education directly to workforce readiness. Just as the SPLOST strengthens our infrastructure and makes Macon-Bibb more competitive, the ESPLOST strengthens the human infrastructure that fuels our economy. When we vote YES for ESPLOST, we are saying YES to quality education, a skilled workforce and a stronger, more prosperous Macon-Bibb County. Let’s keep building for Bibb students—and for the future of our entire community by voting YES for ESPLOST on November 4.”

The ESPLOST is not a new tax, but instead a renewal of a successful program that has been in place for over 20 years. This ESPLOST will fund critical projects such as upgrades to facilities, buses, technology and school safety, all without increasing property taxes. Renewing the ESPLOST is a critically important investment in the community's children and future prosperity.

For more detailed information on the ESPLOST renewal and its impact, please visit: Keep Building for Bibb Students.