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Economic Development highlights defense-community fund, trims World Congress Center support in FY26 tracking
Summary
The state economic development representative told the committee the FY2026 tracking sheet includes a $250,000 add for the Georgia Joint Defense Commission/Defense Community Economic Development Fund and removes a $250,000 ongoing commitment to the Georgia World Congress Center after a prior $30 million commitment was met.
A Georgia Department of Economic Development representative updated the House subcommittee on FY2026 budget items and said the department’s amended‑budget additions include continued support for defense communities and coordination on tourism and major events.
Defense and community fund: The department said a $250,000 add (23.10.3) remains in the tracking sheet to support the Georgia Joint Defense Commission and the Defense Community Economic Development Fund. The representative said the fund helps the defense community raise local concerns — including housing and workforce issues for military spouses — to policymakers. The department noted Senator Kirkpatrick’s leadership role on the commission and described the program as a public‑private partnership.
World Congress Center: The presenter said the FY2026 tracking sheet removes a $250,000 line item previously committed to the Georgia World Congress Center, noting the state had met a $30 million commitment established over three years.
Tourism and events: Committee members asked about tourism marketing and the department said Georgia is among the Southeast’s lower spenders on tourism marketing but that state programs “outkick our coverage” through partnerships and location assets. The representative said the department coordinates with private partners and the Metro Atlanta Chamber to leverage events such as the FIFA World Cup and other major sporting events to attract business and tourism.
Ending: The department had no major new FY2026 requests beyond the items described and invited committee members to contact staff with follow‑up questions.
