Macon It

In this episode of Macon It, we bring you Mayor Lester Miller’s full State of the Community Address, delivered at this year's Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce event. This annual address highlights the progress, priorities, and vision shaping Macon-Bibb County.

From major projects and community investments to the momentum driving our city forward, Mayor Miller reflects on where we are and where we’re headed next. It’s a comprehensi...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Wanzina Jackson, Director of Economic and Community Development for Macon-Bibb County, to talk about the work that’s helping transform lives across our community. With more than 20 years of service to Macon, Wanzina shares how the ECD department partners with organizations to support low- to moderate-income households through housing, resources, and opportunity.

As we celebrate National...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Jerry Battle, Macon-Bibb County’s new Neighborhood Program Coordinator, to talk about his role as a boots-on-the-ground connector between residents and local government. Jerry shares how he’s working directly with neighborhoods to listen, build trust, and make sure every voice is heard.

We discuss the importance of neighborhood pride, how stronger communication leads to real results, an...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Hannah Theus, Director of Marketing and Fulfillment for the International Cherry Blossom Festival, to talk about one of Macon’s most beloved traditions. Known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon transforms each spring into a massive pink celebration that draws visitors from across the country...and around the globe.

Hannah shares the story behind how the festival first beg...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, to talk about the power of local philanthropy and what it means to invest in our own community. Kathryn shares how the Foundation partners with donors and organizations to strengthen Central Georgia, from supporting the Macon Violence Prevention initiative to scholarship funds, Downtown Challenge Grants, and On Th...

In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Natalie Bouyett, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund, to talk about how the community is tackling housing challenges head-on. Natalie shares updates on current projects, the vision behind the Affordable Housing Fund, and how Macon-Bibb County is setting a new standard for affordable housing across Georgia. It’s a conversation about growth, opportunity, and...

In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Alison Bender, Director of The Brookdale Resource Center, as we reflect on five years of transformation, hope, and community impact. Once a former school building, Brookdale has become a place of stability and new beginnings for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Alison walks us through Brookdale’s journey over the past five years, and we hear powerful interview clips from former resid...

In the Season 3 premiere of Macon It, we welcome back Macon-Bibb County Manager Keith Moffett for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, listening, and this unique moment in our city’s story. Keith shares what it’s like to oversee more than 20 county departments, how he ensures every voice is heard, and why community engagement is essential to getting things done.

Keith also introduces his 2026 theme: “The Macon Moment” — a ...

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bryan Nichols, the mind and creative force behind the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza. Bryan shares how the (Christmas) light bulb first went on in his head for this idea, the huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing downtown to life each holiday season, and why Macon’s light show is unlike anything else in the country. We also talk through Bryan’s many contribut...

It started as a way to raise money and boost morale — now it's setting timelines (and comment sections) on fire. In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Fire Chief Shane Edwards and Captain Phillip Herndon to talk about the 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar that’s got the world swooning.

From international buzz to behind-the-scenes stories, hear how this sizzling project went viral, what it means for the community, and ...

In this episode of Macon It, we're joined by Robert McCord and Sophie Rosen from the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency to talk about a powerful week of training at FEMA's National Disaster & Emergency Management University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Alongside more than 40 partner organizations, the EMA team participated in real-time disaster simulations designed to test and strengthen our community's crisis response.

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In this episode of Macon It, we’re unleashing all the feels with Tracey Weathers, Shelter Manager of Bibb County Animal Services. From adorable puppies and playful kittens to some truly wild calls from the field, Tracey gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life in the shelter and the heart it takes to care for Bibb’s animals every day.

We also talk about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and how yo...

Ever wonder who’s mowing the medians, clearing dump sites, or jumping into action when a storm hits Macon-Bibb? Meet Tim Wilder, head of the Public Works Department; a team that tackles the dirty jobs to keep the community clean, safe, and running strong.

In this episode of Macon It, we dig into everything from blight removal to weed-eating wizardry, and how the department plays a crucial role in beautifying Bibb and responding to ...