PERRY, Ga. –Perry council on June 20 announced the city is a SMART community; but what exactly does that mean?
The middle Georgia Innovation Project teamed up with Perry to create and bring more technology based jobs to the city.
The project, also known as 478 Innovates, was started to spread and improve technology in the middle Georgia area. It focused more on Macon and Warner Robins but now has included Perry in its plan.
The qualifications for cities to be involved in the innovation project are that they have to be a Broadband Ready Community. The city became one back in August 2022, meaning that they plan on innovating the community and infrastructure.
According to Economic Development Director Holly Wharton, the initiative is part of the city’s strategic plan to be welcoming to technology-based companies.
“Our goal is to attract SMART companies or technology based companies or software type companies that are related to supporting the Air Force Base or other complimentary type industries,” said Wharton.
Wharton said this helps the citizens of Perry because it will encourage and support the technology workforce. She added that this will also improve quality of life in the city.
According to the proclamation that Wharton presented during the council meeting, it will not only support technology based companies, but bring technology in different job fields.
“The Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor consists of an innovation community that brings together and connects the Middle Georgia region’s elements into a geographic and conceptual space. These elements include defense, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and healthcare. Collaboration across these elements within the innovation corridor will drive transformational activities which will deliver and attract world- class talent and economic opportunity,” states the proclamation.
By becoming a SMART community, the city will work more with the base and other surrounding counties to improve the community even more.
According to Wharton, Perry is the second city in Houston County to receive this designation. The city plans on using this opportunity to create more jobs in Perry and continue improving the downtown area. As the city continues to grow, they want to create more opportunities and developments for the citizens living in the city.
To find out more information on the Middle Georgia Innovation Project visit www.478innovates.com.
To read the proclamation presented at the council meeting, visit the council agenda at pub-perry.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=4424.
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