Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Liberty County Development Authority unveils strategic plan targeting manufacturing, EV supply chain and higher‑value distribution
Summary
The Liberty County Development Authority presented a strategic plan to commissioners that prioritizes automotive/EV suppliers, aerospace, defense-related manufacturing and higher-value distribution, and proposes differentiated incentive approaches.
The Liberty County Development Authority presented a strategic plan to the Board of Commissioners outlining target industries, marketing priorities and an incentive policy intended to guide proactive economic development.
The authority's CEO, Britney, said the strategic initiative drew feedback from more than 400 local residents, employees and stakeholders and that consultants recommended focusing proactive outreach on five target clusters: automotive and electric-vehicle suppliers, aerospace and aviation, Department of Defense suppliers and manufacturers, and higher-value distribution such as cold storage and e-commerce.
“Having a target gives you something to aim for, but it doesn't limit what you can shoot,” Britney said, summarizing a point in the consultant work. She also described a conservative incentive approach for distribution projects and a more aggressive incentive framework for manufacturing, which the authority staff said tends to deliver higher wages and longer-term local investment.
The presentation also highlighted the local economic impact of major existing employers. The Development Authority shared a Georgia Power economic impact analysis showing that the combined annual economic impact of DS Smith and International Paper operations in the county exceeds $329,000,000.
Authority officials said they are supporting existing employers and evaluating options to keep large employers competitive as they examine corporate portfolios. Britney told the commissioners the authority will provide a metrics plan and an implementation timetable and that the strategic plan is a “living, breathing document” that will be updated and reported on regularly.
Commissioners asked about regional cooperation; the authority said a tri-county joint development authority between Liberty, McIntosh and Long counties has been approved by the participating counties and next steps include announcing a name and forming a board and bylaws.
The board took no formal action on incentives or commitments at the meeting; commissioners were asked to review the strategic plan and provide feedback to the Development Authority staff.
