The Liberty County Development Authority has adopted a new strategic plan for the next five years.
LCDA members approved the plan, which included a new incentives structure, after months of work and collaboration with hundreds of people and organizations, shepherded by Boyette Strategic Advisors.
Called LINK Liberty, the effort is detailed in 96-page document that takes a snapshot of Liberty County’s current conditions and what its projections are. It also examines the community’s strengths and weaknesses and how the LCDA and others can buttress those. The plan is designed to drive economic growth and prosperity.
“This is a great milestone in the history of this organization and our community,” said LCDA chairman and state Rep. Al Williams. “I am encouraged about the work we are doing now that will improve lives and livelihoods in Liberty County.”
The LCDA engaged Boyette last August and more than 400 people provided input into the study.
Boyette’s president, Del Boyette, is a former deputy commissioner of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism and previously led the Incentives division at Deloitte with his Boyette COO Tracy Sharp.
“While many of the recommendations in our plan fall within LCDA’s scope, the plan emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration across the community,” said LCDA CEO Brynn Grant. “It invites organizations and stakeholders to work together, pooling resources, expertise, energy and ideas to achieve shared success.”
The strategic plan identifies five target industry sectors for growth:
• Automotive and electric vehicle (EV) suppliers
• Aerospace and aviation
• Department of Defense suppliers
• Cold storage and e-commerce
• Foreign direct investment
“All of these things represent significant opportunities for Liberty County’s future,” Sharp said. “It is time to link Liberty to address the challenges while capitalizing on all of your great assets.”
The study predicts more than 2,200 manufacturing jobs in Liberty County from 2025-30, a 9% growth. The annual average earnings for manufacturing jobs in Liberty is $105,000.
In getting a workforce ready for careers, the county can point to the Liberty College and Career Academy, the Savannah Tech campus and the Liberty campus of Georgia Southern University. Fort Stewart also can be a vital resource, with 3,600-4,800 soldiers leaving the Army each year at the post and nearly 10,000 military spouses in Liberty or living in adjacent counties.
“Ex-military makes for a good workforce,” Sharp said.
Liberty’s current population growth – 16% from 2019-24 – and its projected population growth of 15% through 2029 could put it in line to bolster its retail and entertainment sector. Retail jobs in the county grew by 12% from 2019-24, and an analysis shows a $164 million retail opportunity gap in the county, the difference between its supply and demand.
The study pointed to targeting automotive and EV suppliers, aerospace and aviation, Department of Defense suppliers, cold storage and e-commerce and foreign direct investment.
With Gulfstream’s operations included, there are more than 11,000 jobs in aerospace and aviation within a 60-minute drive of Liberty County.
Cold storage employment within the region has grown 34% from 2019-24, and the average earnings in that sector are $58,000 annually, which is higher than most other logistics fields.
Fort Stewart in itself has a more than $5 billion impact on the regional economy, and tapping into potential Department of Defense suppliers is seen as key.
Businesses from 70 nations are active in Liberty County, and 70% of the county’s industrial jobs are a result of foreign direct investment, or FDI. Boyette’s team was startled by the amount of FDI in Liberty County.
“It was off the charts surprising,” Boyette said.
The LCDA’s own physical assets include 400 acres remaining at Tradeport East, 596 acres available at the yet-to-be developed Tradeport West tract, 40 acres in the Midway Industrial Park and 31 acres, plus two buildings, at the Hinesville Technology Park off Airport Road.
Liberty County also is served by its own regional airport, plus is 30 minutes from the port of Savannah, 45 minutes from the port of Brunswick, 30 minutes from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, has two interstate exits and is served by a CSX rail line.
Among the recommendations from Boyette Strategic Advisors were for the LCDA to continue its efforts to support existing industry and to support the growth of the health care sector.
The LCDA also is working to address challenges in water and wastewater infrastructure and will push for improvements in the community’s transportation system. As Bryan County explores building its own airport, the LCDA will promote the MidCoast Regional Airport.
Other goals include ensuring companies have an access to a future pipeline of talent, by continuing to spur higher education in the community and finding ways to partner with the school system to improve local schools. Sharp said the LCDA has a good partner with RISE, the Regional Industry Support Enterprise.
“That said, some challenges must be overcome. These include low educational attainment, high poverty rates, a large percentage of students on free or reduced lunch in public school, low income levels and crime-related challenges. These issues drive many higher-wage professionals, executives, military personnel and civil servants to live in neighboring counties,” the study revealed.
The study implored the LCDA to work “even more cohesively” for the county’s economic future, pointing to the partnerships that led to MidCoast Regional Airport and the creation of a Savannah Technical College campus in the county.
The strategic plan lays out two community opportunities, attracting more retail and entertainment choices and capitalizing on the tourism, film and hospitality advantages, and seven strategic priorities for future growth.
Also on tap for the LCDA is a rebranding effort, including developing a new logo and a new website. The study also said there is a need for better communication countywide.
“The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of all people in Liberty County,” Boyette said. “Other people may work here, other people may shop here, but at the end of the day, it’s to make all of those things better so the people who live here can have the quality of life they deserve.
Printed copies of the plan are available at the LCDA office, located at 425 W. Oglethorpe Highway. It is also accessible online at comegrow.global/strategicplan.