Georgia Leaders Making a Difference, Tackling Challenges as Young Gamechangers

In April, Young Gamechangers kicked off its program in Columbus, Georgia.

GEORGIA FORWARD BRINGS TOGETHER A DIVERSE group of leaders from within the host community, as well as from all over Georgia, to take a deep dive into the challenges of a single community. The 45 young professionals will then spend time developing specific, creative, and actionable recommendations.

The group’s work centers around challenge questions that are designed to address the community’s most pressing needs. The challenge questions asked by Columbus-Muscogee County are:

• “How can Columbus engage and retain talent under the age of 40 so that they plant long-term roots in Columbus-Muscogee County?”

• “How long can Columbus-Muscogee County help all residents feel like a valued part of the community where they know what’s going on, can connect with others, and contribute to the decision-making process for our collective future?”

• “According to 2020 U.S. Census data, 20% of people in Muscogee County live in poverty, and our most impoverished areas are centered in South Columbus. In light of this, how can we effectively address income disparity in South Columbus and increase economic mobility in our community?”

• “How can Columbus-Muscogee County leverage our existing assets in order to develop innovative approaches that inspire local entrepreneurship and attract investment from diverse types of industry that fit our community?”

The Young Gamechangers will share their final report with the local community on Thursday, October 19. Columbus Consolidated Government Mayor Skip Henderson said he is excited to have the Young Gamechangers focus on Columbus as there will be so much opportunity for the cohort.

“We are excited to have the Young Gamechangers in Columbus,” he said. “This is a program that is ripe with so much opportunity, not just for you but for your personal growth, for what you guys leave behind as you visit these communities and provide recommendations and help us see our community with a fresh set of eyes.”

The Young Gamechangers are accomplished professionals ages 40 and under from across the state who wish to make an impact through civic engagement, economic development and community partnerships. A third of the class is from the Columbus-Muscogee county area, another third is from the metro Atlanta region and the remaining third are from greater Georgia.

If you are interested in applying to be a future Young Gamechanger or serve as a host city for the program, please visit Georgia Forward.org/young-gamechangers for more information.