Local Matters Podcast

Rebecca Callis Mixson of the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of their services and history, explaining how it assists entrepreneurs across Georgia. Running a business is challenging, so they support business owners, and in so doing, help expand Georgia's economy. They offer business consulting and training programs. She shared her background and discussed the center'...

Patrick King of the Natural Resources Defense Council explained his organization's advocacy for environmental policies and their involvement in Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan hearings. The discussion also covered the potential impact of data centers on energy infrastructure and the importance of informed voting in the upcoming Public Service Commission elections. This election is crucial...

Rick Reinhard, a former local government official now with Niagra Consulting, shared his expertise in redeveloping and repurposing underutilized church buildings.  During his tenure with the United Methodist Church, this became one of his specialties. Janice and Rick discussed their shared history in Richmond, Virginia, and explored the challenges and opportunities of reusing historic church build...

Erick Montgomery, Executive Director of Historic Augusta, discussed the organization's mission to preserve historic sites and structures in Augusta, Georgia. He shared insights on various preservation projects, challenges faced in protecting historic buildings, and the importance of advocacy and resources . The conversation also touched on the appointment process for the Historic Preservation Comm...

Tim Watson of the Small Business Administration discussed the current status of Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Georgia. He explained that the declaration for the hurricane began in September and has been extended multiple times. He also clarified that the SBA offers programs for business owners, non-profit organizations, and individuals who incurred damage from the hurricane. These programs in...

Julie Langham, Vice President for Economic Development at Augusta Technical College, joins us to talk about the Accelerate Augusta program. A partnership with the downtown Development Authority, it is aimed at providing resources for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups. The program is set to open in June. Ms. Langham also discusses how the College ensures that area employers can fin...

Ronic West, CEO of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, discussed the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners to build connections. They also discussed the Chamber's role as a conduit between the business community and government, the current economic instability, and how we must prepare. Finally, they addressed Ronic's role with the Augusta Aviation Co...

Brittany Williams Burnett, CEO of the United Way of the Central Savannah River Area, discussed the role of nonprofits in improving quality of life, and how their focus has shifted as needs change. Brittany shared her personal journey from medical sales to nonprofit work. They also discussed the evolution of United Way's role in addressing community needs, the transportation challenges in Richmond...

The Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition has been advocating for 100% voter participation since 1998. The organization was founded to look out for the needs of the people of the CSRA. We discuss their celebratory banquet, services they provide, and the upcoming Georgia Pubilic Services Commission race. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page...

Augusta's District 2 Commissioner, Stacy Pulliam, discusses what it takes to mount a successful run for office, how the district boundaries have changed, and whether there is hope for District 2, She also talks about the importance of continuity with elected officials and capitalizing on state programs to encourage investment in blighted areas. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking en...

Augusta native Cheryl Gordon Cofer discusses the inspiration beyond Lessons Learned: A Teacher's Memoir. A career educator who kept over 30 years worth of notes, she shares how education and families have evolved. She shares a few of her experiences, and most especially, a few of her top suggestions for educators who want to make a difference despite the challenges teachers face. You can learn mor...

Nancy Glaser, Executive Director of The Augusta Museum of History, highlighted the museum's role in enriching the Augusta community's quality of life. She shared her journey as a museum administrator and addressed the importance of confronting uncomfortable historical truths for a more inclusive future. She also shed light on the museum’s ongoing activities, funding, and partnerships, showcasing t...

Dr. Ralph Turner, DBA, describes how the hospital has evolved, what hospital administrators do, and how he and his team are making sure that these changes are best for our community. He also explores how federal regulations made it important that the Medical College partnered with a larger hospital system, and how to provide access to care for the sickest of the sick at our local teaching hospital...

Moses Todd, former Augusta Richmond County Commissioner, joins Local Matters for a second time to discuss Augusta's governance structure and the charter review process. We debate whether a strong mayor is a threat or a necessity for progress and whether Augustans would be better served by a Council-Manager form of government. The conversation concludes with a discussion regarding whether the Mayor...

Moses Todd, former Augusta-Richmond County Commissioner, joins Local Matters in a two-part series to discuss Augusta's governance structure, our school system, and the exciting possibilities of a charter review. He tackles this question with an eye on the past, addressing the financial challenges by the old City of Augusta. He also explains his advocacy efforts, and making changes fair and equitab...

Host Janice Allen Jackson explores the impact of federal policy and budgetary changes on local governments, and average residents. She examines the job losses, and corporate policy changes. She addressed concerns about the potential effects on individuals and communities, including the possibility of reduced local government budgets and decreased sales tax revenue. Additionally, Janice explored th...

Angela Cox, CEO of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce joins Local Matters to describe the role of the Chamber of Commerce. She shares her personal journey and the chamber's mission to be the voice of business and promote the region. They also delve into the chamber's advocacy efforts, economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development in Augusta, highlighting the chamber's role in...

Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta, discusses what our destination marketing and management organization is responsible for. He explored upcoming events and food/music festivals that will contribute to Augusta's growing reputation as a festival destination. Our conversation also covered the development of attractions and facilities in Augusta, emphasizing how our SPLOST funds...

Augusta Commissioner Jordan Johnson just started his second four year term. We discuss his vision for district 1. We also describe how hard it can be to get things done, why it is taking so long to pick up storm debris, and his early influences. We also touch on the unique characteristics of District 1 and how the upcoming Charter Reviews process is one of the hottest issues in 2025. DISCLAIMER: L...

Brian Beard, Public Affairs Specialist with the Small Business Administration (SBA), explains the loan process for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits affected by Hurricane Helene. Brian explained that SBA loans can cover damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, including deductibles and partial coverage. He also mentioned that SBA loans have lower interest rates than credit cards or...

Dr. Lester Mccorn, the new president of Payne College, shared his life story and vision for the institution, emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education and preparing students for the workforce. He discussed the challenges of staying ahead in the digital age, the management of resources, and the potential of Paine College, highlighting the need for cooperation and a diverse board of tru...

Renae Gaskins Campbell, Media Relations Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, visits with the Local Matters family to let us know that the deadline to apply for aid is February 7. We discuss who is eligible for assistance and the best way to apply. Affected individuals should visit the Hub in downtown Augusta or call 1-800-621-3362 to apply and get additional information. DISCLA...

Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller shares her passion for and calling to ministry, and how she has approached that as a woman. She also details her experience as one of few African American students at the University of Georgia in the late 1960s and early 70s. Pastor Nawanna described the work of the Institute for Christian Discipleship and the I am Not a Silly Woman: I am More Than Enough Life Empowerme...

Augusta Senator Harold Jones discusses his new role as minority leader in the Georgia State Senate and the importance of focusing on democratic values and ideas. He also highlighted the need for Medicaid expansion, childcare assistance, and rent stabilization in Georgia, and the potential for significant change if the Democratic party wins in 2026. He also mentioned what could be a bi-partisan eff...

Janice and Dr. Tracy Powell discussed why leaders frustrate employees, their professional backgrounds, and their experiences. Dr. Powell, an executive coach and CEO of Executive Coaching, shared her passion for empowering leaders to lead with compassion. She has been an executive coach since 2012 and holds certifications in executive coaching and professional coaching. Dr. Powell also mentioned he...