Every Seat Filled: Macon-Bibb’s Homegrown Talent Pipeline Comes to Life
After years of planning and partnership, Macon-Bibb County’s Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (AMP) has welcomed its first class at full capacity. The program connects local students with college credits, technical training and careers in modern manufacturing while helping employers build a stronger local workforce.
From the Executive Director: What We Learned at a Major International Economic Development Conference
MBCIA Executive Director Stephen Adams represented Macon-Bibb County at the 2026 Southeast U.S.-Canadian Provinces Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. His five takeaways focus on what Macon-Bibb can do next to stay ready for business growth and future investment.
Macon Arena: Built for What’s Next
Macon-Bibb County is making another major move.
The groundbreaking for the new Macon Arena marks the beginning of a $350 million investment that will reshape how the community hosts, connects, and competes. Expected to open in late 2028, the arena will bring new energy to Macon with space for concerts, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, and community programming.
For companies, project managers and partners across Georgia, the message is clear: Macon-Bibb knows how to turn big ideas into real progress.
The arena will strengthen the region’s ability to attract major events and thousands of new visitors, creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and local service providers. It will also add another powerful quality-of-place asset for businesses working to recruit talent and grow their teams.
The impact will reach beyond the arena floor. Plans include instructional space where Bibb County students can gain hands-on experience in culinary arts, audiovisual production, graphic design, and other careers connected to the venue.
This is what momentum looks like. Macon-Bibb County is investing in the experiences, infrastructure, and talent that will shape its future.
Other News
From quality-of-place improvements to new industry investment and the start of another school year, Macon-Bibb County continues to build the community, workforce and opportunities that support long-term economic growth.
- New wayfinding pillars are now in place throughout downtown Macon, helping visitors discover local shops, restaurants, attractions and recreation while highlighting the people and stories that have shaped the city.
- Unified Legacy broke ground on its new $125 million manufacturing facility on Barnes Ferry Road. The expansion is expected to create 500 jobs across manufacturing, skilled trades, engineering, logistics and other fields, strengthening Macon-Bibb County’s growing industrial base.
- The Bibb County School District welcomed students back for the 2026–27 school year, beginning another year of preparing Macon-Bibb County students with the knowledge and skills needed for future success.
