Rural Georgia leaders recently gathered in Fitzgerald to share insights, build connections and explore new strategies for strengthening their communities as part of the University of Georgia’s PROPEL rural development program.
PROPEL, or Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership, supports rural communities’ economic and community development through coaching and resources. Working with UGA faculty, staff and students, key stakeholders identify and execute a long-term vision for their community’s economic future. The UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, leads the program.
The PROPEL Ramble, a professional learning event organized by the UGA Institute of Government, drew attendees from legacy, current and prospective PROPEL communities.
“The PROPEL Ramble gives communities the space to learn from each other and build meaningful relationships,” said Greg Wilson, institute associate director. “It’s inspiring to see how communities like Ben Hill County are using PROPEL to turn their visions into action.”
This year’s PROPEL Ramble took place in Fitzgerald, located in Ben Hill County. The legacy PROPEL community completed the two-year program last year, and local leaders highlighted their community’s progress on their goals at the event.
“Any time we can bring other dynamic leaders into our community is a win for us,” said Jason Dunn, executive director of the Fitzgerald Ben Hill Development Authority. “We love sharing ideas and learning from other communities. All U.S. rural communities are connected. When one of us succeeds, it opens doors for everyone.”
People listen to a presentation at the PROPEL Ramble in Fitzgerald. The event brought together community leaders, partner organization representatives and UGA Institute of Government faculty and staff.
PROPEL Ramble attendees listen as Jason Dunn, executive director of the Fitzgerald Ben Hill Economic Development Authority, talks about downtown revitalization on a walking tour of downtown Fitzgerald.
Flint Energies Community Connections Specialist Natalie Bradley speaks at the PROPEL Ramble in Fitzgerald.
Jason Dunn, executive director of the Fitzgerald Ben Hill Economic Development Authority, leads a walking tour of downtown Fitzgerald as part of the PROPEL Ramble.
Foreground, from left to right: Georgia Department of Community Affairs regional representatives Kelly Lane, Rebecca White and Corrine Thornton share a laugh with Natalie Bradley of Flint Energies at the PROPEL Ramble in Fitzgerald.
Dunn led a walking tour focused on the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County representatives presented local economic development and community development initiatives inspired by PROPEL, including the Chamber of Commerce’s work in growing the community’s business network, as well as industry recruitment and proactive code enforcement. The city has enacted a new code enforcement action plan, highlighting community education and updated ordinances.
Attendees left the meeting with inspiration and ideas to take back to their home communities.
“The Ramble has been very informative,” said Barnesville Mayor Kelly Hughes. “I especially liked the downtown tour because it showed what’s possible. It was great for Fitzgerald to share their successes. Learning about the collaborations between the local government, the chamber and local businesses is helpful.”
Representatives from organizations including the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flint Energies and the Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation came to the event to connect with community leaders.
“Rural communities are vital to the health and well-being of our state. Our Foundation is proud to support and encourage rural development opportunities through PROPEL and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. It’s exciting to see what’s happening in these communities,” Langdale Foundation Executive Director Donnie Warren said. The Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation provides support to PROPEL including an experiential learning program for UGA students, PROPEL Rural Scholars.
PROPEL is also supported by USDA with additional funding from the UGA Foundation. The program was awarded top honors in the Place category at the 2023 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Awards of Excellence. Visit our PROPEL page to learn more about PROPEL.