Business View Civil and Municipal | May/June 2022

99 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5 W hat is now a vibrant highlight of Middle Georgia, the City of Warner Robins was actually born during the Great Depression. Back then, business leaders in the community, once known as the City of Wellston, began to notice the growing defense industry, and reached out to the United States Army about building an aviation field in the region. After many negotiations, 47 local families sold property totaling over 3000 acres, which would become the site of the Robins Air Field in 1941. One year later, the name was officially changed to Warner Robins, after air corps logistician, Brigadier General Augustine Warner Robins. The air force base brought significant development to the city, including housing, a school, and other civic buildings, as well as creating a thriving business district. World War II saw 23,000 people employed at the airfield, and the city continued to see significant growth. In 1947, the air field was designated as Robins Air Force Base, and it continues to be a major employer for the city today. Proud of its military aviation history and identity, the community is now home to the Museum of Aviation, Georgia’s largest tourist attraction outside of Atlanta. Today, Warner Robins is a thriving city with over 80,000 residents. As Kate Hogan, Community & Economic Development Director, shares, “We are a great family-centric community. We have tons of places to worship, and our school system is by far the best one south of Atlanta. There are lots of fantastic parks and recreation opportunities throughout the city. We’ve got amazing retail offerings throughout our community, and we are really proud of our strong housing market.” Under the leadership of newly-elected Mayor, LaRhonda Patrick, the community is poised for growth and ready for positive change. A diverse offering of housing options is necessary in Warner Robins, due to the large number of Warner Robi The International City