Schools, jobs and places -- those are the three pillars Macon-Bibb County needs to build as the base for a successful future, according to a "One Macon!" study.

Concerted efforts by educational institutions and private business for better local schools, training for higher-skilled jobs and incentives for local business start-ups, and improved entertainment and civic infrastructure are all needed so Macon-Bibb County can compete with other cities for growth and investment, said authors of the study from Atlanta-based Market Street Services Inc.

But before those things can be successful, the community must address a number of longstanding, interrelated problems. The January 2014consolidation of city and county governments offers a chance for "unprecedented levels of unity and cooperation" to do just that, according to the study and some of the local figures most closely involved.

"Truly, I think it's a one-time opportunity for us in this community to take us from potential to reality," said Mike Dyer, president and CEO of theGreater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

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