Macon Times

Macon-Bibb County has been recognized as one of Site Selection Magazine's "Top 10 Metro Cities," a testament to its economic achievements and appeal for business investments. The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) highlights recent expansions by First Quality Baby Products and Irving Tissue, contributing to the county surpassing $1 billion in private investment in 2024.

MBCIA Chairman Robby Fountain attributed this success to local industries, stating, “We couldn’t have achieved this ranking without the strength of our industries, whose continued investment and expansion bring new jobs and opportunities to the people of Macon-Bibb County.”

Mayor Lester Miller emphasized the significance of this recognition, saying, “This prestigious designation serves as undeniable proof that we have a dynamic and rapidly growing economic landscape of national attention. Macon is a place brimming with opportunity for industries, businesses, and people."

The ranking places Macon-Bibb among top-performing mid-sized metros based on corporate facility investment projects per capita tracked by the Conway Projects Database in 2024. This Tier 2 Metro category includes cities with populations between 200,000 and 1 million. Rankings considered total projects and criteria such as capital investment, facility space expansion, or job creation.

Gary Bechtel, Chairman of the Macon Water Authority, highlighted infrastructure contributions: “At the Macon Water Authority, we take great pride in providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure that supports economic growth while delivering the best-tasting water in North America.”