2026 Government and Military Affairs Priorities
2026 CORE PRIORITIES:
1. Support and advocate of the passage and funding of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park.
2. Support and promote increased funding for tourism development opportunities.
3. Support and promote the expansion of mass transportation infrastructure.
4. Support, promote and protect the military presence in Central Georgia.
5. Support legislation that improves pathways to workforce readiness.
DETAILED 2026 PRIORITIES:
1. Support and advocate of the passage and funding of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park.
We are committed to supporting and advocating for federal funding to elevate the Ocmulgee National Historic Park, alongside the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI), to become Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve. This designation not only preserves a site of immense historical and cultural significance but also catalyzes regional economic growth through increased tourism.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES:
Advocate for the Passage of S.1131/H.R. 2345: Ocmulgee
Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act:
Supporting the passage of S.1131/H.R. 2345, which formally establishes the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park and Preserve, is a critical legislative priority. This designation will ensure permanent protection of the region’s unique historical and cultural assets, attract national recognition, and generate substantial economic benefits for the local community through increased tourism, job creation, and federal investment.
Secure Federal Funding
for
Park and Infrastructure Development:
Securing Federal funding for preservation and infrastructure development is essential to ensure the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve is accessible, educational, and equipped to accommodate increased visitation. Investments will support on-site enhancements such as trails, visitor centers, and educational programs, while also improving surrounding infrastructure, including transportation networks and visitor amenities, to provide a welcoming and sustainable experience for all visitors.
STATE PRIORITIES:
Advocate for State Funding to Enhance Park Tourism Infrastructure and Logistics Study Funding:
Securing state investment in infrastructure projects will support the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve, including transportation improvements, signage, and visitor facilities. These investments will ensure that the local community is prepared to handle increased visitor traffic and that the park’s economic benefits are maximized.
2. Support and promote increased funding for tourism development opportunities.
We are actively advocating for more financial resources from government bodies to enhance tourism infrastructure and services. We support allocating funds to improve transportation, accommodation, and other essential infrastructure, making destinations more accessible and appealing to tourists.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES:
Advocate for Funding and Business Development of Infrastructure:
Pursuing federal funding through the Economic Development Administration and the Department of Transportation is vital to support the development of a new state-of-the-art convention center and to upgrade existing tourism-related infrastructure. Renovating outdated facilities and expanding current amenities will strengthen the region’s ability to attract business tourism, while the new convention center will provide the capacity to host large-scale conferences and events. Together, these investments will position the region for future growth and support preparations for National Park designation.
STATE PRIORITIES:
Advocate for state Funding for Convention Center Development:
Seeking state investment in the construction of an additional convention center would catalyzes business tourism, attracting conferences, trade shows, and corporate events and public-private partnerships that ensure the financial feasibility and long-term success.
Support Transportation and Accessibility Improvements:
Encouraging state-level investment in transportation infrastructure will support tourism, including improved roadways, public transit options, and pedestrianfriendly developments that enhance accessibility to key tourism sites, including the proposed convention center.
3. Support and promote the expansion of mass transportation infrastructure.
This includes advocating for the growth and expansion of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport to enhance air transportation, attract industrial investment, and promote sustainable economic growth in Central Georgia.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES:
Secure Funding for a New Airport Terminal:
Supporting the construction of a new, modern airport terminal at MCN is crucial to meeting the increasing demand for passengers and preparing for future growth. A new terminal will enhance the traveler experience, establish MCN as a key regional transportation hub, and drive significant economic impact by attracting more commercial and private air traffic. This investment will contribute to job creation and stimulate broader economic activity throughout the region.
STATE PRIORITIES:
Completion and Optimization of the New Fixed-Base Operator (FBO):
Leveraging state resources, with the FBO already funded, will ensure the timely completion and full optimization of this facility. The state’s involvement will be critical in maximizing the economic impact of the new FBO, which is expected to enhance aviation services and attract more corporate and private aviation traffic.
State-Level Support for the New Airport Terminal:
Seeking a partnership between the federal and state governments will be essential to meeting the growing passenger traffic needs and ensuring the airport remains competitive.
4. Support, promote and protect the military presence in Central Georgia.
We support, promote, and protect Robins Air Force Base, the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (48th IBCT) in Macon, and the broader military presence across Central Georgia by advocating for Georgia’s military population - the fifth largest in the nation. We also support Robins Air Force Base’s $4.263 billion annual economic impact and its workforce of 22,387 people, while recognizing the 48th IBCT’s vital role in national defense and its contributions to our state’s economy and readiness.
FEDERAL + STATE PRIORITIES:
Advocate for Middle Georgia’s Economic Engine (Robins Air Force Base) and the Georgia National Guard:
Protecting, promoting, and supporting the military presence in Georgia, particularly Robins Air Force Base and the Georgia Army National Guard’s Mighty 48th Infantry Brigade in Macon, is critical to the significance of our region.
Support New Missions for Robins Air Force Base:
Preparing to support this effort and any emerging workforce pipeline requirements resulting from new missions will help support the Air Force’s follow-on mission for the JSTARS and its intent to station that capability at Robins Air Force Base.
Support and Promote Veteran-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs:
Seek business-friendly policies for military and Veteran-owned enterprises to bolster our workforce pipeline and result in a returning economic impact.
5. Support legislation that improves pathways to workforce readiness.
FEDERAL + STATE PRIORITIES:
Promoting policies that increase awareness and access to College and Career Academy and higher education options for Macon-Bibb County, in partnership with K-12 education, technical colleges, colleges and universities and the business community, bolsters the whole workforce talent pipeline.
Increasing access to funding for in school youth, technical, STEAM, CTAE and higher education training will prepare and support workforce development.