Site Selection Magazine Released Its Annual Rankings

March 3, 2025 – The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) celebrates Macon-Bibb’s recent designation as one of Site Selection Magazine’s “Top 10 Metro Cities.” The ranking celebrates Macon’s quality of work and economic accomplishments that attract new business investment and create value for industries in the area.

Economic accomplishments include the recently announced expansions of First Quality Baby Products and Irving Tissue, which contributed to Macon-Bibb County’s 2024 milestone of reaching over $1 billion in private investment. MBCIA Chairman Robby Fountain said, “We couldn’t have achieved this ranking without the strength of our industries, whose continued investment and expansion bring new jobs
and opportunities to the people of Macon-Bibb County.”

“This prestigious designation serves as undeniable proof that we have a dynamic and rapidly growing economic landscape of national attention,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “Macon is a place brimming with opportunity for industries, businesses, and people, one where we can play a pivotal role in our economy and community as a whole.”

This recognition places Macon-Bibb among the top-performing mid-sized metros, based on the number of corporate facility investment projects per capita tracked by the Conway Projects Database in 2024. The designation falls under the Tier 2 Metro category — cities with populations between 200,000 and 1 million, as defined by the Census for Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas. Rankings were determined by total projects and key criteria, with qualifying projects requiring at least $1 million in capital investment, 20,000 square feet of new or expanded facility space, or the creation of at least 20 jobs.

“At the Macon Water Authority, we take great pride in providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure that supports economic growth while delivering the best-tasting water in North America,” said Macon Water Authority Chairman Gary Bechtel. “Access to clean,
award-winning water is just one of the many reasons Macon-Bibb continues to stand out as a top destination for growth and opportunity.”

To learn more about success stories in Macon-Bibb County click here.