Jefferson, Georgia

A Blueprint for Thoughtful Growth and Community Excellence

 

Strategically managing rapid growth while enhancing quality of life through innovative infrastructure, safety initiatives, and community engagement.

Tradition meets progress within the small town of Jefferson, Georgia, a place with deep historic roots and a thriving present. Located in Jackson County, Jefferson is more than just a stop on the map; it’s a place where community pride runs deep, and the spirit of togetherness is woven into daily life.

“Jefferson is a special place,” says Mayor Jon Howell with genuine affection. His role as mayor is about governance and advocacy for a community he deeply loves. “The charter spells out that the mayor shall serve as the chief advocate for the city, and I take that role very seriously,” he shares, reflecting the earnestness with which he approaches his duties.

The journey to Jefferson was a thoughtful decision for Mayor Howell and his family. “We weren’t blessed to be born here,” he says, “but as the cliché goes, we got here as quick as we could.” As he recounts that pivotal weekend, Mayor Howell’s voice conveys the warmth that first drew him to Jefferson.

He describes touring the town, attending a local church, and simply absorbing the atmosphere. “We knew this was where we wanted to raise a family,” he says with conviction, adding that the town’s appeal was emotional and practical. Proximity to Atlanta and Athens, a strong school system, and favorable demographics all played roles in their decision, but the community’s character sealed the deal.

Thriving Downtown and Strategic Growth

Jefferson’s downtown area is the heart of the city—the pulse that keeps the community vibrant year-round. With a rich blend of events and a strong focus on local businesses, the downtown district is a hub of activity and a key component of the city’s identity.

“We do have a Main Street department and have for some time,” Mayor Howell notes, highlighting the city’s structured approach to managing its downtown. Under the leadership of Michele Head and her team, Jefferson hosts more than 30 events annually. These range from weekly farmers markets in the summer to more solemn occasions like the police memorial, honoring servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives for the community’s safety.

The connection between these events and the local economy is undeniable. Mayor Howell recognizes the importance of supporting downtown businesses, particularly the smaller, family-owned enterprises that define the town’s character. “We want to be a resource for them,” he says, though he’s quick to add that sometimes the best government action is to “get out of the way and let entrepreneurship take its course.” This hands-off approach and strategic support allow local businesses to thrive while preserving their independent spirit.

Beyond downtown, Jefferson’s strategic planning extends to its industrial growth. The McClurey Industrial Park, zoned for light industrial use, is a prime example of the city leveraging its geographic advantages. Located near Interstate 85, one of the busiest highways on the eastern corridor of the United States, the park is ideally situated for businesses that require easy access to major transportation routes.

Incentives and Strategic Partnerships

Jefferson is open to business and cultivates a business-friendly environment, leveraging strategic partnerships to attract new enterprises. The city’s economic development approach is collaborative and pragmatic, balancing local interests with broader state initiatives to foster sustainable growth.

“We work very closely with our Jackson County Chamber of Commerce,” Mayor Howell explains, a crucial collaboration for projects that reach the city through state channels. He emphasizes the role of the Georgia Department of Economic Development in this process, noting that when the state offers incentives to attract businesses, they expect local governments to participate as well.

This cooperative approach ensures that Jefferson is a passive recipient of state-driven projects and an active player in shaping the local economic landscape. “We try to be supportive of the state’s initiatives and priorities,” Mayor Howell continues, indicating that the city carefully evaluates each opportunity to ensure it aligns with Jefferson’s long-term goals. When a project makes sense for the community, the city provides the necessary support through financial incentives, infrastructure improvements, or other forms of assistance.

The Crucial Role of Education

Jefferson’s public school system is a cornerstone of the community’s success and a significant driver of economic growth. The city’s leadership understands the intrinsic link between a robust school system and the community’s overall health, particularly when attracting new residents and businesses.

“Having a dynamic, excellent public school system is a dying breed,” Mayor Howell observes, acknowledging the rarity and value of high-performing schools today. Jefferson City Schools are a significant draw for families seeking a place to live and a community where their children can thrive. The mayor proudly notes that Jefferson High School ranks among the top 6% of high schools in the United States and first locally, making it a powerful tool in the city’s economic development efforts.

The historical significance of education in Jefferson dates to the Martin Institute, an early educational institution where students once boarded on campus. Today, the Jefferson City School System carries on this legacy of excellence, consistently delivering top-tier educational outcomes. These results have a ripple effect on the local economy, influencing everything from residential growth to the viability of retail and commercial ventures. The quality of the school system is a crucial factor in why Jefferson is experiencing rapid population growth, with over 4,500 people moving to the area between July 2022 and July 2023.

Empowering the Next Generation

As Jefferson continues to grow, the focus on workforce development is sharper than ever, particularly in response to the nationwide labor shortage. The city’s approach to preparing its youth for the workforce is rooted in providing diverse educational pathways that cater to different interests and aptitudes, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

“We are lucky to live in a town with a lot of options to meet kids where they are,” Mayor Howell explains, emphasizing the importance of offering alternatives to the traditional four-year college route. Recognizing that not every student aspires to attend a liberal arts college, Jefferson has invested in the Empower College and Career Academy. This initiative, launched with a grant from the state of Georgia under the leadership of former Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, provides students with hands-on training and education in various technical fields.

Located within Jefferson’s city limits but administered by the Jackson County School System, the Empower College and Career Academy is a vital resource for students across the county. The academy partners with other school systems, creating a collaborative environment that benefits many students by offering practical, career-oriented education that aligns with the local economy’s needs.

Healthcare Access and Community Well-Being

Healthcare is vital to any thriving community, and Jefferson is no exception. While the city may not have a significant hospital within its limits, it benefits significantly from its proximity to some of the best healthcare systems in the state.

“We do have two of the best hospital systems in the state within a short drive—just 17 to 18 miles from Jefferson’s city limits,” Mayor Howell says. Northeast Georgia Health System, based in Gainesville, operates a main campus in the region and a satellite campus in Braselton, just south of Jefferson. The mayor notes that the Braselton campus “looks like a main campus” despite its satellite designation, highlighting its comprehensive capabilities. The Piedmont Health System, which runs a large hospital in Athens, also serves the area.

While having a significant hospital within Jefferson would be ideal, Mayor Howell acknowledges that the existing healthcare infrastructure effectively meets the community’s needs. “We would love to have a major hospital in Jefferson city limits,” he admits. Still, he quickly points out that Northeast Georgia and Piedmont have established urgent care centers within Jefferson. These facilities provide essential services closer to home, offering residents quick access to medical care for non-emergency situations.

Expanding Infrastructure for Growth

“Our biggest infrastructure project right now is a new 1-million-gallon-a-day water reclamation facility,” city manager Priscilla Murphy explains, introducing the city’s leadership proactive plan to expand and upgrade critical infrastructure to support its burgeoning population and industrial sectors.

This state-of-the-art facility, set to come online in the first quarter of 2025, will be expandable to 4 million gallons per day, strategically located near the interstate and the city’s industrial parks. “We built that with the hopes of finishing out those industrial parks in the area,” she adds, signaling the city’s intent to support ongoing industrial growth, particularly with the inland port development on the horizon.

Residential growth, driven by the city’s attractive school system, is another factor shaping Jefferson’s infrastructure needs. The existing water reclamation plant is upgrading to manage the influx of new residents better. Additionally, the city is working in partnership with the Jackson County Water Sewer Authority on the long-term Park Creek Reservoir project. “When we get that built, which may take about five more years, we’ll have our second water treatment plant,” she notes.

In addition to these utility-focused projects, Jefferson is making strides in public safety infrastructure. “We currently have a class three ISO rating,” Murphy points out, referencing the fire department’s strong performance. The city is constructing a new fire station north of downtown to enhance emergency response. This station will provide quicker response times to residents and the large commercial area along Interstate 85, including 75 industrial and commercial businesses.

Enhancing Civic Life: Recreation, Libraries, and a Proud Legacy

“We have a fantastic recreation department,” the community relations director Michele Head shares, highlighting the city’s robust athletic programs that work together with the school system. These programs serve as feeder systems for school athletics, ensuring children can access sports early on. One of the most exciting upcoming projects is the state-of-the-art natatorium, which is expected to open in early 2025. “It’ll have competition lanes, seating around 400 people,” she notes.

“It will be a game changer for our swim community,” Mayor Howell adds, emphasizing the facility’s potential to impact competitive swimming and broader community safety. The $13 million investment in this state-of-the-art swimming facility will introduce swim lessons as part of the school curriculum, ensuring that all children have vital water safety skills.

The Jefferson Public Library, part of the Piedmont Regional Library System, is another jewel in the city’s civic infrastructure. “Our library has the highest circulation numbers in the region,” Head proudly states. The library offers many programs, from story time for young children to yoga sessions and even outreach efforts that extend to the Boys and Girls Club and local senior centers.

On the cultural front, Jefferson is home to the Crawford W. Long Museum, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Crawford W. Long, a local physician who made history by discovering the use of ether as an anesthetic. “We’re probably the only museum in America where you walk in, and we’re selling shirts that say, ‘Got ether?'” Mayor Howell quips with a smile, acknowledging the town’s unique pride in this piece of medical history.

 

Safety and Strategic Partnerships

In Jefferson, public safety is a collaborative effort supported by strategic partnerships that enhance the city’s security and well-being. “Jefferson ranks as the fifth safest community in Georgia according to the National Council on Home Safety and Security,” Mayor Howell proudly states. This recognition is no small feat and is a direct result of the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents.

Another innovative approach to enhancing public safety in Jefferson is the deployment of Flock cameras. “We have brought on ten Flock cameras that help us when we have motorists that come through that may not be from Jefferson,” Howell shares. These cameras are particularly valuable given the city’s proximity to a major interstate, which brings a steady flow of non-resident traffic. The cameras assist in identifying individuals who might pose a risk, enhancing security for the community.

School safety is also a top concern in Jefferson, and the city has taken significant steps to protect its youngest residents. “We’ve installed speed cameras in our school system that have reduced speeders by 70%,” Mayor Howell reports, highlighting the effectiveness of this program. By slowing down traffic in school zones, the city has dramatically improved the safety of students, making the daily commute to and from school much safer.

Transparent Planning and Strategic Execution

In Jefferson, long-term success is not left to chance; it results from meticulous planning and transparent communication with the community. “For the past several years, we’ve engaged a group called Focus and Execute,” Mayor Howell shares, describing an online platform that has become central to the city’s strategic planning process. This proprietary tool is a digital dashboard where the city’s strategic plan is documented, tracked, and updated.

This level of transparency is a key component of Jefferson’s governance. The mayor notes that the platform facilitates accountability across all levels of city administration. “It allows us all to stay accountable to each other,” he says, emphasizing how the system helps department heads secure the necessary support from the city council. By reviewing the platform’s updates monthly, city leaders can quickly identify which projects might need additional resources, whether in the form of capital investment or workforce.

Murphy echoes Howell’s enthusiasm for Focus and Execute. “It shows the community what we’re working on now or in the short term of the next year or so,” she says. However, for those interested in the city’s long-term vision, she points to the comprehensive plan, a critical document that outlines the city’s direction over the next several years.

Focus and Future Vision

As Jefferson continues to evolve, city leaders are homing in on key initiatives that will shape the town’s future. The natatorium is at the forefront of these priorities. In tandem with the natatorium, the city’s new water reclamation plant, slated to come online in early 2025, represents another cornerstone of Jefferson’s infrastructure strategy. Walkability and accessibility are also high on Jefferson’s agenda, with new pickleball courts expected to be ready by the third quarter and ongoing investments in sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure.

Yet, Mayor Howell recognizes that Jefferson is at a critical juncture. With growth comes the challenge of making decisions that will meaningfully shape the city’s future. “We’re kind of at a crossroads with this growth,” he acknowledges, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, long-term planning. The decisions made today, particularly around zoning and development, are not just for immediate gains but are aimed at securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Jefferson.

AT A GLANCE

Jefferson, Georgia

What: A rapidly growing city focused on strategic infrastructure development and community well-being

Where: Jackson County, Georgia

Website: www.cityofjeffersonga.com/home