quiet, rural stretches of Southwest Georgia, Camilla may not boast towering skylines or sprawling suburbs, but it’s making an outsized impact through intentional, forward-thinking leadership. With just over 5,000 residents, this tight-knit city is defying expectations by embracing cutting-edge innovation, investing in youth and education, and taking bold steps toward long-term economic development. AGRICULTURE ELEVATED BY AERIAL INSIGHT Agriculture has long been the lifeblood of Camilla’s economy. From expansive peanut fields to cotton farms and produce operations, the region’s identity has been rooted in the soil for generations. As global agricultural trends shift toward data-driven decision-making and high-tech solutions, Camilla is embracing this shift, not just to stay competitive but to lead the way for other rural communities. “Farming today isn’t just about tractors and plows— it’s about precision,” says Mayor Owens. “We have several hardworking food producers here in Camilla and Mitchell County who are feeding America. However, if we want them to keep up with global demand and become more efficient, we must support them with modern tools and technologies. That’s where drone technology comes in.” Rather than relying solely on visual inspections and intuition, farmers can now use drones to capture aerial images of their fields and apply artificial intelligence to analyze those images. Drones can detect a wide range of issues, including dry patches, pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and plant diseases. This technology helps reduce crop loss, improves yields, and saves time and resources that are especially valuable in a region where many producers run multigenerational, family-owned farms. The city has launched an ambitious program to train local high school students in drone operations and aerial imaging. Through a partnership embedded in its Youth Council, students in grades 11 and 12 are preparing to become FAA Part 107-certified drone pilots. This credential qualifies them to operate drones commercially anywhere in the country. “We’re not just exposing these students to new technology—we’re giving them a head start in an emerging field,” Mayor Owens explains. “We want them to see that they can be both agriculturalists and entrepreneurs. By getting certified before graduation, they’ll be positioned to offer drone services not only to local farms but to industries like real estate, construction, insurance, and beyond.” ELECTRIC AVIATION FINDS A NEW HOME While Camilla is deeply rooted in its agricultural identity, its leaders are looking skyward—literally— 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 CAMILLA, GA
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