A focal point of our Defense Community Resilience Program is supporting small rural cities like Buena Vista. When a major employer left the area, the community on the outskirts of Fort Benning needed to pivot on its economic strategy. 

Since 2022, the city has achieved several economic successes through its partnership with UGA's top-notch faculty, staff, and students who have helped them produce various downtown revitalization and tourism projects. In all, the projects represent an estimated $1 million investment in the community.

The partnership aligns with the university's land- and sea-grant mission by providing the city with the tools they need to succeed and presenting our students with unique hands-on opportunities.

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