WILKES/BURKE COUNTIES, Ga. (WJBF)- Rural communities in Georgia face several challenges that impact economic development to create jobs and improve the quality of life of their citizens.
Rural Burke and Wilkes counties are both USDA-designated rural counties.
The Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project – also known as SERCAP – and its Small Business Loan division are hosting the listening sessions as part of their Community Economic Development Planning Initiative for Entrepreneurs and their Pathways for Prosperity program.
In Wilkes County, over 70 percent of the population works outside of the county.
The goal is to find out what the county needs – then help put together a plan to bring better paying jobs within the county limits.
Transportation is a major roadblock, so is lack of housing but help is on the way.
“We’re now developing the largest and biggest housing development that we’ve had in 50 years. So as we begin to expand our housing, our workforce, then it creates new opportunities, particularly for business expansion. Start up a new small businesses,” said Wilkes County consultant for SERCAP, Robert Vick.
The community meeting for Wilkes County is tonight at 6pm at the Washington Wilkes Chamber of Commerce building.
Burke County will have two meetings tomorrow at 12pm and 5pm in the Burke County Family Y.
