Development Authority reports 38 projects, grants and housing progress to commissioners

The Development Authority delivered an annual update to the Stephens County Board of Commissioners detailing project activity, investments, workforce programs and housing initiatives.

The authority's representative said the organization "worked 38 named projects this year," completed 18 state RFIs and hosted nine site visits by prospective developers. She credited a Georgia grant, with a county match, for allowing sewage infrastructure to be added at the industrial park—work the authority said made a 132‑acre lot more marketable. The representative reported that existing industries generated 20 new jobs last year and more than $41,000,000 in private investment in the community.

On housing, the authority described work under a rural workforce housing initiative for which the county provided a $125,000 match; it said a pre-construction meeting had taken place and that the work should be done by the end of November, with the first Heritage Drive buildings expected to be ready to lease in April 2026. The representative also summarized partnerships with local schools and training programs—highlighting industry tours, a $1,500 scholarship for a work-based learning student and a Georgia Power grant to fund tours for at least five years.

Commissioners asked questions about rent limits for the new PUD and the authority said rental rates must tie to the Department of Community Affairs' community-average threshold (stated in the meeting as about $1,500), a condition the authority said was tied to grant requirements.