Wednesday, October 25th, Toombs County welcomed representatives from MicroLife Institute (ML) and Georgia Conservancy (GC) at the much anticipated Housing Forum. The purpose of the forum was to learn results from a year-long study performed by both ML and GC, hear proposed suggestions on how Toombs County can move forward coming out of our housing crisis, and to hear from a panel of stakeholders in the county. The panel consisted of Jason Hall, City Manager/Lyons, Nick Overstreet, City Manager/Vidalia, Greg McKenzie, Jr., builder and realtor, David Sikes, Chairman/Toombs County Commission, and Matt Hasbrouck, Chief Executive Officer/Memorial Health Meadows Hospital.

Almost 90 community members attended the forum which, among others, included investors, developers, realtors, and bankers. The 2-hour long session highlighted study results that focused on reviewing existing and proposed zoning laws, comparing comprehensive plans with zoning laws, conducting a walking housing assessment of Lyons and Vidalia, interviews with local community and industry leaders, and a public poll. Conceptual designs for several lots in both Vidalia and Lyons were created by MicroLife Institute and revealed at the forum which brought much interest and discussion. A final report will be available to the public in January 2024 and can be used as an invaluable tool by anyone interested in investing and/or developing property for housing in Toombs. Further information regarding next steps will be forthcoming.

The 2023 Housing Study was a joint effort of Toombs County Development Authority, Greater Vidalia® Chamber, Cities of Vidalia and Lyons, and Toombs County. A link to a video regarding the forum can be found here [2] and link to the presentation can be found here.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:450916e1-0ec0-4851-bd8b-959e6724d45b [3]