News

The City of Statesboro has officially completed the Anderson Street Paving Project, marking a historic milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. With this project now finished, every road within the city limits of Statesboro is paved for the first time in its history.

Located between East Main Street and Hill Street, the 385-foot connector was transformed into a 20-foot-wide paved roadway built to meet both City of Statesboro and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) standards. As part of the improvements, new driveways were also constructed to provide safe and convenient access for nearby residents.

The project was funded through the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) and reflects the city’s continued investment in improving accessibility and roadway quality for the community. The newly paved Anderson Street enhances daily travel, promotes long-term durability, and provides a smoother, safer connection between two key city streets.

Completion of the Anderson Street Paving Project represents the combined efforts of the City’s Engineering and Public Works Departments, in partnership with local contractors and community stakeholders.

City Completes FY2024 Street Resurfacing Project

The City of Statesboro has successfully completed its Fiscal Year 2024 Street Resurfacing Project, marking another milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to improving local infrastructure and roadway safety.

The FY 2024 resurfacing program covered approximately 5.66 miles of roadway across all five council districts. This year’s resurfacing program covered approximately 5.66 miles of roadway across all five council districts. The work utilized a total of 6,311 tons of asphalt, including various asphalt types and mixes designed to ensure long-term durability. Crews also completed 20,665 square yards of asphalt milling, 2,375 square yards of 6-inch graded aggregate base (GAB), permanent grassing, shoulder dressing, and installed thermoplastic striping to enhance roadway visibility and safety.

Neighborhoods and Streets Resurfaced

Resurfacing work was completed in neighborhoods throughout all five council districts:

District 1: Orange Street (E. Olliff St. to E. Olliff St.), Lewis Street (E. Olliff St. to Orange St.), Best Street (Braswell St. to terminus), Bedford Street (Fleming Dr. to Kingswood Ave.), Harwood Street (Fleming Dr. to Kingswood Ave.), and Miller Street (N. Main St. to N. College St.)

District 2: Miller Street (N. College St. to W. Parrish St.), South Mulberry Street (E. Jones Ave. to E. Main St.), South Walnut Street (W. Jones Ave. to W. Inman St.), Scotch Pine Avenue (Whispering Pines Blvd. to Whispering Pines Blvd.), and Hunnicutt Drive (Soloman Cir. to Soloman Cir.)

District 3: Granade Street (E. Inman St. to terminus), Donaldson Street (Stillwell St. to Savannah Ave.), and Gentilly Drive (Gentilly Rd. to Prince Way)

District 4: Windsor Way (Chelsea Cir. to S. Edgewood Dr.), Knight Drive (Chandler Rd. to Harvey Dr.), and South Edgewood Drive (Greenwood Ave. to Holly Dr.)

District 5: Brampton Avenue (Fair Rd. to Veterans Memorial Pkwy.)

Investing in Safer, Smoother Streets

In total, 17 city streets were resurfaced during FY2024, representing a significant investment in neighborhood infrastructure and the long-term maintenance of the city’s roadway network. These improvements not only extend the lifespan of city streets but also enhance safety and driving conditions for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The City of Statesboro’s annual resurfacing program will continue in FY2025, with additional investments planned for both neighborhood streets and major corridors throughout the city.

Statesboro Community Garden Blossoms with Growth and Connection this Season

The Statesboro Community Garden continues to flourish as a vibrant hub for connection, learning, and growing fresh food in the heart of the City. Thanks to the dedication of local residents and support from Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful (KSBB), this year’s planting season has been one of progress and collaboration.

This season, all raised garden beds are fully rented, reflecting the growing interest in local gardening and food sustainability. Alongside seasoned gardeners, several new faces have joined the garden community, practicing their skills and cultivating crops in the in-ground plots available on site. The mix of experienced growers and beginners fosters an environment of knowledge sharing, mentorship, and mutual support.

In an exciting step toward sustainability, the garden’s compost bins have been revitalized for all renters to use. This means gardeners can now compost their food scraps and garden waste on-site, helping to reduce landfill waste while creating nutrient-rich soil to nourish future crops. The initiative not only supports healthier harvests but also teaches the value of closing the loop in food systems.

Statesboro named “Retail Ready” community by Georgia Power

Statesboro has been selected as the first of six “Retail Ready” communities by Georgia Power Economic Development. This partnership marks a significant milestone for the city, as it collaborates with Georgia Power to enhance retail recruitment efforts. The initiative will provide Statesboro with valuable insights, data, and tools to support sustainable retail growth.

“The Regional Economic Development Managers work closely with local and regional development partners to prepare communities for today’s projects and opportunities in the future,” shared Elyse Davis, Statewide Development Manager. “We’re excited that Statesboro is the first community we can provide enhanced retail strategy support to through our new partnership with Retail Strategies.”

Georgia Power partnered with consultants from Retail Strategies, an Alabama-based retail recruitment and community development firm, to provide Statesboro with data insights and recommendations for attracting national retailers. The firm conducted a comprehensive analysis of Statesboro’s retail landscape, identifying properties and sites suited for new consumer-facing businesses. Retail Strategies also provided a recommendation list of potential retail brands and key contacts for outreach.

The City of Statesboro will use the recommendations and strategies provided through this partnership to help expand consumer options in the community. In January 2023, the city contracted a small business recruitment service through Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group. Through this collaboration, Statesboro gained a dedicated business recruiter, Alan Gross, who has been actively attending trade shows and working to attract retailers to the area.

“Partnering with Georgia Power enables us to amplify our existing recruitment strategies,” explained Alan Gross. “Partnering on the ‘Retail Ready’ initiative enhances our visibility, providing another powerful tool to attract retailers. I’m confident this collaboration will soon bring more retail and dining options to our community.”

The City of Statesboro has been awarded a substantial grant of $1,372,659 through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ “2025 Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP)”. This funding is earmarked for the construction of new single-family homes, aiming to provide quality housing options for very low- to low-income residents.

Statesboro stands among 15 communities across Georgia selected to receive a portion of the $13.8 million allocated by the DCA for this year’s CHIP funding. Specifically, Statesboro is one of seven communities granted funds for new construction projects, highlighting the city’s commitment to expanding affordable housing.

“Statesboro has not received a CHIP Grant since 2001,” says Kathy Field, Director of Planning & Development for the city. “The city has applied multiple times for CHIP funding over the past 24 years without success, but we never wavered in our commitment to secure resources for our residents. Being selected this year is not just a victory for the city, but also for the families and individuals who will benefit from  safe and affordable housing made possible with these funds.”

The CHIP program, backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the DCA, offers grants to local governments, nonprofits, and public housing authorities. These grants support the rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes and the construction or renovation of affordable single-family homes for sale to eligible buyers. The program enables communities to construct new affordable housing, with grants of up to $1.5 million allowed per grant cycle.

Statesboro’s newly acquired CHIP funds will be utilized to construct single-family homes in targeted areas, such as the Pine Street neighborhood located on the city’s west side in Council District 2. Collaborations with local partners, including Habitat for Humanity and Agape Worship Center, made the application possible.

“Statesboro is seeing the strength of community collaboration with the awarding of these funds,” says Justin Williams, Planning & Housing Administrator for Statesboro. “Partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Agape Worship Center really set our application apart. We were able to lay out a strategic path to ownership for income-eligible buyers while also revitalizing a long-overlooked street in our community.”

Agape Worship Center acquired five parcels along Pine Street in 2021 in an attempt to reinvigorate the area, which had become a haven for criminal activity and public blight. In January 2025, the City of Statesboro entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Agape Worship Center and Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County that the city would provide funding for nine homes if awarded a CHIP grant.

Within the terms of the agreement, Habitat for Humanity agreed to build six homes along Pine Street over the next two years, using funds received through the CHIP grant. Additionally, three homes would be contracted to local builders and also sold by Habitat. As part of the agreement, Habitat would reimburse Agape Center $11,111.11 upon the sale of each completed new home.

Anyone interested in applying to own one of the new homes must apply through Habitat’s income-based qualification process. More information can be found at www.habitatbulloch.org.

The Pine Street project is part of the City of Statesboro’s ongoing “Johnson Street Neighborhood Revitalization.” In 2021, Statesboro’s City Council approved the creation of an Urban Redevelopment Area, which identified several neighborhoods within the city limits in need of revitalization. The area surrounding Johnston Street, including Pine Street, was selected as a top priority due to the declining physical condition of many homes located there.

Over the past few years, the City of Statesboro’s Council and staff have taken a proactive approach to affordable housing, including participation in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) Senior Year Program, creating an affordable housing plan, conducting a housing needs study and establishing a housing rehabilitation program. These efforts have bolstered the city’s capacity to secure competitive housing grants and implement impactful community development projects.

For more information about the CHIP funding and the City of Statesboro’s affordable housing initiatives, please contact the Statesboro Planning and Development Department at (912) 764-0630 or visit www.statesboroga.gov/planning-development.

Statesboro will soon welcome a national home furnishings retailer to the former Kmart building on Northside Drive, marking a significant milestone in the city’s targeted economic development strategy. While the identity of the retailer cannot yet be revealed, city officials are celebrating this development as a transformative step for the community.

This project highlights the success of a forward-thinking partnership launched in January 2023, when the City of Statesboro contracted a small business recruitment service through Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group. Through this collaboration, Statesboro gained a dedicated small business recruiter, Alan Gross, who has been actively attending trade shows and working to attract small to medium-sized businesses to the area.

Gross, who has been instrumental in bringing this new retailer to Statesboro, expressed his enthusiasm for the impact it will have on the city.

“This is a prime example of the growth we envisioned when we began our recruitment efforts,” said Gross. “Statesboro is growing rapidly, and attracting a nationally renowned business like this directly results from the city’s proactive approach. This new retailer will not only revitalize the former Kmart site but also provide meaningful economic benefits, including jobs and a wider range of choices for local shoppers.”

The city’s growth has been remarkable in recent years. In 2024 alone, over 190 new business licenses were issued, and as of February 2025, commercial development projects in Statesboro totaled more than $128 million in investments—a figure that continues to climb with new developments breaking ground each month.

Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar emphasized the broader significance of this announcement.

“Our city is growing by leaps and bounds every day,” said Mayor McCollar. “This retailer’s decision to invest in Statesboro is a testament to the hard work of our team and the undeniable potential of our community. It’s about more than filling a vacant building; it’s about showing investors and developers that Statesboro is a thriving, vibrant city with a bright future.”

Details about the retailer and project timeline will be announced in the coming months.

On April 15th, the City of Statesboro Youth Council celebrated the grand opening of its newly completed Chess Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event drew members of the Statesboro City Council and community, eager to learn about the creative transformation of an unused greenspace.

The idea for the Chess Park originated in May 2024, when the Youth Council applied for a “Placemaking” grant from Georgia City Solutions. In their application, the council highlighted areas along the Willie McTell Trail in Downtown Statesboro in need of enhancement. Their vision included trail repairs and maintenance, as well as the creation of a life-size chess park, strategically located across from the Downtown Dog Park.

The realization of the Chess Park, along with other trail improvements, was made possible through collaboration with the City of Statesboro Public Works Department. Teaming up with the Youth Council, the department helped install the life-size chessboard and flower planters at the park and replace benches along the trail.

The Chess Park represents just the beginning of the Youth Council’s ambitions for enhancing the Willie McTell Trail. With this project’s success, the council is eager to continue making meaningful improvements that enrich the community.

Georgia City Solutions awarded the Youth Council a $500 grant for the initiative. The project gained additional momentum through matching donations from Grice Connect and the City of Statesboro. Contributions from community partners played a key role: the Statesboro Police Department provided a water fountain, while the Statesboro Regional Library donated chess pieces for the picnic table.

The City of Statesboro is proud to announce its inclusion in WalletHub’s 2025 ranking of the “Best Small Cities to Start a Business,” securing the 24th position among over 1,300 small cities evaluated nationwide. This recognition highlights Statesboro’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Statesboro is one of three Georgia cities to make the top 25 list, along with LaGrange and Carrollton.

WalletHub’s comprehensive study assessed cities based on 18 key metrics, including business environment, access to resources, and business costs. Statesboro’s strong performance in these areas underscores its appeal as a hub for innovation and economic growth.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “Statesboro’s inclusion in this ranking is a testament to our community’s dedication to economic vitality and fostering a vibrant community that’s welcoming to all. We are committed to continuing our efforts to make Statesboro a premier destination to start a business, plant roots, and visit.”

While WalletHub’s published article did not provide a detailed breakdown of Statesboro’s score, Mayor McCollar identified several key factors that he felt contributed to the city’s business-friendly environment:

• Educated Workforce: “We have an established pipeline of educated and skilled professionals,” McCollar explained. “From Georgia Southern University to Ogeechee Technical College and East Georgia State College, our community produces a steady stream of workforce-ready individuals.”

• Industry Variety: Statesboro’s role as a regional hub for diverse industries offers significant opportunities for both employers and employees. This diversity was one of the metrics evaluated in WalletHub’s study.

• Community Collaboration: “I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the Development Authority of Bulloch County for their excellent work in attracting and retaining businesses. They provide resources and support to facilitate growth,” McCollar noted.

McCollar also emphasized the importance of Statesboro’s strong sense of community: “We’re a family, and we work together to ensure everyone has a seat at the table and that their voice is heard. While this isn’t a tangible metric, it’s a sentiment deeply felt by our local business owners.”

Local organizations, such as the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Statesboro’s Business Commission, play pivotal roles in promoting business-friendly policies and offering networking opportunities. Their efforts continue to strengthen Statesboro’s reputation as a prime location for entrepreneurial success.

Statesboro’s Top 25 accolade aligns with Georgia’s broader recognition as a top state for business. In 2025, Georgia was named the No. 2 Best State to Start a Business by WalletHub, reflecting the state’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to business success.

Statesboro’s recognition as a top city to start a business reinforces its position as a hub for innovation and economic growth in the region. The city remains dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving business community.

April 15, 2025 – For over 75 years, the National Civic League’s All-America City Award has highlighted and celebrated outstanding civic innovation, recognizing communities that harness the power of local collaboration to drive meaningful change. Each year, cities, towns, counties, and regions nationwide apply for this prestigious recognition, showcasing how their civic capital—the relationships, networks, and capacities that enable problem-solving and resilience—fuels progress. This year, Statesboro, Georgia, has distinguished itself as one of the top 20 applicants for the All-America City Award.

“I am so proud of our city,” says Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar. “We have a lot of exciting and innovative projects happening in our community, and it’s great to be recognized on the national stage for the work we’re doing right here in Statesboro.”

Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities applied to the competition on behalf of the City of Statesboro. Research Assistant Edie Grace Grice has overseen the All-America City application process with the support of Dr. Candice Bodkin, Co-Director of the Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities.

“As a lifelong local, I’m incredibly honored to lead this effort for the community I love,” says Edie Grace Grice. “Statesboro has shaped who I am, and it’s a privilege to help share our story with the nation.”

Since being named a finalist community, the Vibrant and Engaged Communities team has been working with the City of Statesboro to put together a pitch presentation for the All-America final competition to be held this June in Denver, Colorado.

The following All-America finalist communities have distinguished themselves through their commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability, using inclusive community engagement to create lasting, impactful solutions:

Akron, Ohio | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Austin, Texas | Carrboro, North Carolina | Chelsea, Massachusetts | Delray Beach, Florida | Denver, Colorado | Fort Collins, Colorado | Hampton, Virginia | Jacksonville, North Carolina | Kinston, North Carolina | Leominster, Massachusetts | Memphis, Tennessee | Petaluma, California | Port St. Lucie, Florida | Seattle, Washington | Snyder, Texas | Statesboro, Georgia | Tallahassee, Florida | Western Riverside Region, California

Finalists were chosen through a competitive review process led by an independent panel of experts, with each application evaluated on the criteria of shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. Now, these outstanding communities are preparing for the next stage of the competition—the All-America City Award Event in Denver this June, where they will present their stories of success and showcase the impact of their initiatives.

The 20 finalist communities, spanning 12 states, range in size from 11,000 residents to nearly one million. Despite their differences, they share a commitment to empowering residents, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring meaningful participation in local decision-making.

More About 2025 AAC Award: https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/