Business View Magazine - Nov 2023

46 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 earn a living, and often secure employment with companies once their apprenticeships conclude. Future Plans and Initiatives Discussing future initiatives, Hackney refers to a recent legislative session, where the Georgia state government initiated the creation of the Georgia Rural Workforce Housing Development Fund. With an allocation of $36.5 million, this fund is meant to support rural counties in Georgia with populations under 50,000. It provides grants to local governments, cities, counties, or private developers to help finance or offset the costs related to infrastructure development required for workforce housing projects. “We are excited to see that program get implemented,” he asserts. “We’re looking forward to seeing how that money gets paid out, what kind of projects are funded through that program, and what kind of new incentives the state can provide to encourage workforce housing developments all across the state, especially in those areas near the economic development projects that need new housing. “ Morley suggests that although housing affordability is a priority, workforce development is also key. “We’re struggling in building a workforce, and we have got to find ways to get the students into the construction programs,” she stresses. “We know that the state has made some investments in paid apprenticeships and dual enrollment, but we think more would be beneficial.” She says the government’s investment in these initiatives is promising, and legislative bodies in both the Senate and House are focusing on addressing the workforce challenges from an early age, which bodes well for the future of the industry in Georgia. “All the schools here in Georgia have career tech programs. But those programs need funding to buy materials and pay for instructors so that we can get the students out of the classroom and into the field earlier. So, we are excited to see where that goes.”