electric aviation. That means the city doesn’t need to depend on external utility providers to deliver the infrastructure upgrades or energy capacity these new technologies require. “Having local control over our energy supply gives us a seat at the table,” Mayor Owens explains. “We can meet the needs of innovators without the bureaucratic delays or regulatory red tape you might find elsewhere. Whether it’s powering charging stations for electric aircraft or supporting a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles, we’re ready to provide clean, reliable energy right here at our airport.” LOCAL BLUEPRINT FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT One of the most impactful additions to the community is the newly completed $3 million Community Resource Center, a facility that now houses the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. More than just a building, the center represents Camilla’s holistic approach to child development and after-school support. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for hundreds of children who might otherwise return home to empty houses or food-insecure households. “We built the facility without raising taxes or utility rates, and we included a commercial kitchen to serve meals every day to the 200 children who come through after school,” Mayor Owens explains. “In many cases, those meals may be the only ones they get outside of school hours. We want our kids to go home full—ready to rest, recharge, and come back ready to learn.” Right next door to the new community center, Camilla is preparing to break ground on another ambitious project: a $5 million gymnasium and multi-purpose recreation center. While the facility will undoubtedly benefit local families by providing a modern space for physical activity, after-school sports, and community events, its impact is also expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy through the growing sports tourism industry. 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 CAMILLA, GA
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