Peach Tree Times

State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville) recently convened the first meeting of 2024 of the House Rural Development Council at the Oak Hill and Martha Berry Museum at Berry College in Rome. Rep. Jackson serves as co-chair of the House Rural Development Council, along with State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), and was appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) in 2023.

“It was an honor to partner with my colleague, Rep. Gerald Greene, to convene the first meeting of this year’s House Rural Development Council,” said Rep. Jackson. “Rural Georgia is the backbone of our state, rich in heritage and resources, yet confronted with unique challenges that demand our ongoing attention and action. The needs of rural Georgians are both numerous and urgent. I am eager for the discussions this council will engage in over the coming months as it is crucial that we remain committed to addressing these challenges through targeted, effective public policies.”

The meeting featured testimony from various agency heads, state and local leaders, and stakeholders, all focused on addressing current issues facing rural Georgia. The council received updates on efforts to advance rural prosperity, including initiatives aimed at revitalizing a number of Georgia’s industries and tackling current challenges such as declining opportunities, population shifts, and the imbalance between revenue and costs in rural areas.

Commissioner Christopher Nunn of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) discussed the need for rural workforce housing and infrastructure. He highlighted the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, which supports rural Georgians with down payment assistance and loan options. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of preserving rural workforce housing through tax credits and reviewed the $35 million pilot program from the Fiscal Year 2023 budget focused on these initiatives.

The council also discussed the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on energy programs, allocation of state funds for rural transportation, and challenges rural communities face in accessing quality education with an emphasis on collaborative efforts across counties to streamline resources and provide leadership. Lastly, discussions focused on strategies for workforce and economic development, particularly revitalizing rural infrastructures and downtown areas.

The House Rural Development Council was first created in 2017 to work with rural communities to find ways to encourage economic growth and job creation. During the 2023 legislative session, the council was renewed for its current term through unanimous adoption of House Resolution 488.

More information about the House Rural Development Council may be found here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/other-committees/house/2024/rural-development-council-2024