Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller told podcast hosts that airport and downtown projects were central to the county’s 2025 economic strategy. He described work on the airport’s FBO building and a runway extension that officials expect will bring new airline and maintenance jobs. "Not only are they working on the FBO ... they're also working on extending the runway," Miller said.

Miller also announced a large private or public investment he described as a "$300,000,000 total investment" tied to an entity he called Immersion University and an Immersion Medical School near downtown. He said that project, together with airport improvements, would drive jobs and attract companies that hire local residents; he said more than 66% of industrial‑authority jobs go to people living in Bibb County.

On the planned arena, Miller said the county has hired MFA as the owner’s‑rep architect and engaged top national builders; he presented possible timelines that included ground‑breaking or opening dates as early as 2026 and an opening estimate discussed for 2028. "That's one of the world class ... and they may have given me an opening date perhaps of May 2028, maybe breaking ground or July 2026," he said.

The mayor framed these projects as interlocking components of a broader growth strategy that also includes a convention center and hotel on the implosion site. The podcast provided no construction contracts, timeline documents or public‑investment agreements to confirm the investment figures or precise schedules; those details will require follow up with county economic development and commission records.