Highlights from “Next Up Augusta”
Today’s Member Economic Luncheon, hosted by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, gave business and community leaders a clear view of the region’s forward momentum. Cal Wray, EDFP, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA), delivered a presentation titled “Next Up Augusta – Projects, Wins, & What’s Next,” highlighting the partnerships, investments, and initiatives shaping the future of the Augusta metro area.
Home to more than 618,000 residents and a civilian labor force nearing 288,000, the Augusta-Richmond County region is experiencing steady growth. With a median household income just over $68,000 and a median home value around $207,000, the local economy is both stable and expanding. Augusta’s diverse workforce extends well beyond county lines, with thousands commuting in daily from neighboring parts of Georgia and South Carolina—a reflection of the strong regional connectivity that supports economic growth across the area.
Wray emphasized the collaborative nature of this progress, noting that economic development efforts are being driven not only by the Augusta Economic Development Authority, but also by the Burke County Development Authority, the Economic Development Authority of Columbia County, and Western SC Economic Development. Together, these organizations are attracting major capital investments in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and food production—each bringing new jobs and deepening the region’s industrial footprint. Anchor institutions like Plant Vogtle, Savannah River Site, Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, Fort Eisenhower, and the Georgia Cyber Center continue to drive innovation across energy, defense, education, and cybersecurity.
The presentation also highlighted the region’s growing emphasis on housing and entrepreneurship. A wave of private investment is reshaping downtown Augusta and surrounding neighborhoods, while Accelerate Augusta—a new initiative focused on supporting women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses—is poised to strengthen the area’s small business ecosystem.
One significant development Wray spotlighted was Augusta’s selection as one of five recipients of the state’s Rural Workforce Housing Awards from the OneGeorgia Authority, announced by Governor Brian Kemp. The Augusta Economic Development Authority received a $2.5 million grant to provide road, water, and sewer infrastructure for the Southern Oaks Phase I development in South Augusta. This infrastructure investment will support the creation of 55 new single-family homes across 11.5 acres. Future phases will allow for an additional 104 housing units and potential commercial development. Augusta Utilities is contributing $110,000 to the project, and the local development partner is also investing in the overall build-out. All required zoning for the housing development has already been approved. This targeted investment reflects a regional priority to expand sewer infrastructure and increase access to workforce housing.
Looking ahead, regional priorities include expanding sewer infrastructure in South Augusta, increasing access to workforce housing, preparing mega-sites for large-scale employers, and attracting data center development.
The Chamber thanks the sponsors who made this luncheon possible. The 2025 Member Economic Luncheon series is presented by Azalea Investments, Augusta Magazine, Doctors, SouthState Bank, and Comcast. Technology support was provided by WOW!, with parking coordination by Ellefson Transportation. Media partners WJBF, WRDW, and the Augusta Chronicle helped share the event with the broader community.
As Wray made clear, Augusta’s future is bright—built on collaboration, fueled by investment, and guided by a shared vision for what’s next.
Pictured left to right: Will Williams (Western SC), Austin Stacy (Burke County Development Authority), Cal Wray (Augusta Economic Development Authority), Cheney Eldridge (Economic Development Authority of Columbia County), Robbie Bennett (Savannah River Site CRO), Daniel Evans (AEDA), Michael Norris (AEDA)