Chapter Three: Needs and Opportunities

Overview

The Needs and Opportunities were identified using a SWOT matrix, data analysis, public input sessions, and surveys completed by the public, city staff, elected officials, and the steering committee. The list is intended to capture the most prescient needs that the community anticipates over the next five to ten years. The needs and opportunities are categorized into the following topics:

• Population, Community, and Governance

• Planning and Land Use

• Parks and Recreation

• Infrastructure and Resource Allocation

• Community Facilities and Services

• Sustainability

• Broadband Services

• Intergovernmental Coordination

*Additional community statistics used in the local analysis to determine needs and opportunities and guide discussions during public input meetings can be found in the Appendix.

*Bolded items indicate high priorities within the community.

Population, Community, and Governance

Covington, Georgia is an urbanizing municipality located southeast of Atlanta in north-central Newton County. The city has an estimated population of 15,757 and is projected to grow to 17,137 by 2026 (Figure 2). The population has grown by roughly 2,500 since 2010, an 18.9% increase. The daytime population swells to 22,379, which could provide additional opportunities for business development in the city. However, increased growth in population and the expected development has caused some concerns for citizens and the local government, including the desire to preserve Covington’s small-town feel and historic atmosphere. Covington is a diverse community with approximately 47.6% of residents in Covington identifying as black alone, 46.7% white alone, and the remaining 5.7% of the population identifying as multiracial, Asian, or another race. The median age of the community is 35.3, and an estimated 27.2% of the population is over the age of 55 (Figure 3). Approximately one-third of households have one or more people with a disability, and it is estimated that 30.3% of households received Social Security income. Due to a high percentage of population over the age of 55, Covington should strategize senior service delivery.

At $41,788, Covington’s median household income is far below the state average of $61,000. While the statewide median household income is projected to rise to $65,000 per year in 2025, Covington’s median household income is projected to increase to $47,069, which is a faster rate than the state, but still well below the median. Furthermore, 29% of households had incomes below the poverty level in the past 12 months. Economic and housing initiatives will address these data points, and those initiatives have dedicated sections within this plan.

Covington creates an environment where residents, businesses, and visitors can foster connections amongst each other. This is done with a variety of events hosted by the City and through community facilities provided for public use (Figure 4). In addition to the city run events, our community partners offer many other opportunities with over 30 additional events including a Disc Golf Tournament, Juneteenth parade, Fuzz Run, and Back to School bashes. Combined with the multiple nonprofit organizations dedicated to transparency and public participation, there are always opportunities for residents to interact with each other and their local government. These opportunities add to Covington’s identity and sense of place.

Needs and Opportunities identified throughout the process that relate to population, community, and governance are on the next page.