Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller remains optimistic the Ocmulgee Mounds are destined to be a national park but said the county’s major development plans are not contingent on Congressional approval. (10:02 into video)
No matter what happens in Congress, enhancing convention, entertainment and tourism revenue remains a top economic development goal with Miller pledging to build a larger arena than recent new facilities in the competing destinations of Savannah, Athens and Augusta. He expects cost estimates to be announced in the spring and pledged to be transparent during the financial approval process with the county commission.
Miller expects 2026 to bring more multimillion-dollar deals across all areas of the county and discussed the progress of many projects in a year-end taping of Ask Mayor Miller.
A new Costco at the corner of Wesleyan Drive and New Forsyth Road is just the beginning of more popular businesses coming to Macon, Miller said. (17:15)
“Where Costo goes, you’re usually going to see a Trader Joe’s,” he said. “They go well together… like peas and carrots, Costco and Trader Joe’s is just that same way.”
Miller said Dave & Buster’s has also shown interest and a new Beef O’Brady’s is coming to Hartley Bridge Road.
The county and its economic development partners also work with “Retail Strategies,” a retail and real estate consulting firm to help lure more new businesses. (15:47)
He expects to see some new development in a “Phase 2” of the Macon Mall amphitheater project in the next couple of years and maintains that would be the best spot for a casino, should they become legal in Georgia. (20:22)
“Several people want to put hotels on the mall,” Miller said. “You probably can see some activity on the JC Penney’s in the very near future. Whether that building stays or goes is up for the developer (to decide).”
The mayor also would like to see a TGI Friday’s or a Chick-fil-a or other restaurant over in east Macon. (15:45)
Miller seems confident the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will select the county’s Emery Highway site for a new medical facility that could create hundreds of jobs. (12:52)
“It’s my intent to make sure we have a V.A. medical center there,” Miller said.
The $300 million investment would generate additional tax revenue for east Macon, which is a Tax Allocation District, or TAD. Any increase in property tax revenue must be reinvested in the district. (13:57)
Across the river, Miller expects to break ground in mid-2026 on the accompanying development for the Mercer University School of Medicine, (1:47), and finalize designs for the new civic center hotel complex on the site of the old highrise hotel that was demolished on New Year’s Day 2025. (3:12)
The county will remove old gas pumps on Spring Street near the river to prepare the land for the new Ocmulgee Heritage Trail entrance park next to the Medical School. (1:47)
County leaders with the Urban Development Authority and NewTown Macon can now work on luring tenants to the old Macon Health Club and office building across First Street. (4:33)
UDA acquired the properties in a land swap with the Macon-Bibb County Hospital Authority.
Miller said Atrium Health Navicent soon could have an announcement of their own for land near the Second Street Corridor. (6:52)
In the first quarter of 2026, Macon-Bibb also will demolish the old Secretary of State office building on Coliseum Drive, (11:25) and create a new Walnut Street entrance way to Carolyn Crayton Park. (8:47)
Work continues on Rosa Parks Square where monuments will be restored that were in the park before the renovation, and a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Feb. 4, Parks’ birthday. (5:40)
“We had more people probably see that park before it opened than any other park that we’ve ever had in Macon. That is something that we can all be proud of. I get a chance to see it out my window each and every day, and it’s coming along very nicely. Stafford builders did a great job bringing that park to life,” Miller said.
The new year also will bring construction of a new wing of the Bibb County Jail, which Miller pledges is a temporary, nearly $25 million fix until a new law enforcement complex can be built, likely along Seventh Street. (7:40)
The first county commission meeting of the year is Jan. 6, when commissioners will elect a mayor pro tempore and make various appointments to boards and authorities. (0:27)
Send your questions for Mayor Miller to [email protected].
—Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government news for The Macon Newsroom and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.
Harmon Pinkney Jr • Jan 12, 2026 at 7:02 pm
I would like to thank Mayor Lester Miller and his administration is doing a great job in attracting new businesses to Macon-Bibb. Even though the bulk of the businesses are going to North Macon-Bibb, (I get it, it’s where the standard median household income is higher), but the Houston Rd-Sardis Church Rd area is getting some love. I do believe we will get a dine in restaurant at some point. But overall, the Miller administration is doing an awesome job of addressing Macon-Bibb county needs in every aspect of the city.
Jamie Marks • Jan 4, 2026 at 6:48 am
I’m very glad to hear about the a VA hospital and a Trader Joe’s coming to Macon in the next few years. Thank you for these informative updates!