HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. — The Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Economic Development Office is working on a slate of downtown improvements this year, ranging from a new agricultural mural and updated zoning ordinances to security cameras and a wayfinding signage system, Economic Development Director Jamie Wilson McDonald said Friday.
McDonald, who oversees economic development efforts for the city and county, outlined the initiatives during an interview March 20.
Downtown Zoning and Safety
The office is reviewing downtown zoning ordinances and plans to offer recommendations to the Hawkinsville City Council. McDonald said the goal is to ensure the area remains accessible to all residents.
“We want downtown to be a family friendly environment,” McDonald said.
The office is also conducting a downtown property and sidewalk safety audit. McDonald said the office received a transportation alternatives grant — a process she described as spanning roughly 10 years — that will fund new sidewalks, additional pedestrian lighting and updated street lights.
In addition, the office is looking to receive a grant for downtown area security cameras to ensure safety among downtown businesses.
New Mural coming to Celebrate Pulaski County Agriculture
A new mural is planned for the alleyway between the florist and Magnolia Lane in downtown Hawkinsville. The mural will be a volunteer project done by McDonald and her mother, which will feature bright colors and depict what she called Hawkinsville’s “big four” of agriculture: peanuts, pecans, cotton and forestry.
The volunteer project mural is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Community Engagement and Design Updates
McDonald said the office is updating downtown design guidelines and plans to host a public roundtable for property and business owners to discuss the direction of downtown development.
“We can’t be great without our community backing us,” McDonald said. “If we’re not aligned with what our community wants, then we’re not doing our jobs.”
Rivermarket Building Listed for Sale
The Rivermarket Building, located beside the Cotton Mill Lofts, is listed for sale at $500,000. A request for proposal is available on the Economic Development Office website under the “business support” section. McDonald said the office is open to any buyer but requires a completed application explaining the intended use of the building.
“You have to be very cognizant of what you put in there, because of the residential,” McDonald said.
Wayfinding Signage and Downtown Amenities
The office is developing a downtown wayfinding signage system that will include a standardized map covering more than 90 properties. The map will feature a scannable QR code that directs users to a website listing all downtown businesses and their locations.
Additional planned improvements include dog sanitation stations and cigarette receptacles to be installed throughout the downtown area.
Match Grant Available for Local Businesses
The office also highlighted a match grant program put in place last year. Applications are being accepted through June 30, 2026, with one recipient selected per year. Information is available on the office’s website under the “business support” section.
Coloring Book Aims to Engage Future Workforce
The Economic Development Office is also producing a coloring book for elementary school students featuring local Hawkinsville businesses. McDonald said the project is part of a broader effort to connect with schools and encourage young people to remain in the community.
“Having a focus on working with the schools and Hawkinsville’s future workforce and getting them to stay here, because there are job opportunities here — I don’t think people realize,” McDonald said.
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