2025: A year in Review

Governance, Planning, and Accountability

In May 2025, the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) Board approved a new Strategic Plan. The nine-month process included in-depth market analysis, research, and engagement with nearly 400 participants, including residents, local leaders, businesses, and partner organizations. The plan establishes shared priorities and provides a framework for how the Authority pursues economic development, evaluates projects, and measures success.

At the same time, the LCDA Board of Directors adopted updated incentives guidelines to promote consistency, transparency, and align public investment, community goals, and outcomes.

In early 2025, after identifying the misuse of funds by a former employee, the LCDA Board initiated a forensic audit to ensure accountability and determine whether any additional issues existed. No further breaches or irregularities were identified. Concurrently, the Authority continued working with an independent accounting firm on its annual audit and implemented enhanced financial controls and oversight to ensure sound financial management.

In the fall, LCDA commissioned a comprehensive tax study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, engaging support from the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Liberty County's professional staff and leadership. The study aims to improve understanding of the county's tax structure, the cost of government services, and the long-term impacts of various development scenarios. Its purpose is to support responsible policy decisions to expand the tax base while protecting the county's fiscal health. The study is expected to be delivered and shared with the community in March.

Supporting and Attracting Industry, Investment, and Jobs

During the year, LCDA worked closely with local, regional, and state partners to support DS Smith as the company evaluated its position within the broader International Paper portfolio. While community leaders pursued every available option to improve the facility's competitiveness, global markets and corporate restructuring ultimately led to the decision to close the mill.

Following the closure announcement, LCDA coordinated with workforce partners to host a job fair for affected employees and has remained in communication with International Paper to pursue the best possible long-term outcome for the site.

Late in the year, LCDA partnered with Devendorf-Belford Tree Farm to host the Forestry Solutions Summit, to continue dialogue around innovation, workforce needs, and sustainability in coastal Georgia forestry. A follow-up event is being planned for June 2026.

LCDA re-established its local industry support program in 2025 through quarterly meetings with existing employers, which create a regular forum for communication, issue identification, and coordinating solutions. These efforts are strengthened through a partnership with the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE), which provides workforce development programs and business support to employers.

Alongside these efforts, LCDA continued its core economic development mission by actively marketing Liberty County as a location for industrial investment. Throughout the year, the Authority responded to dozens of requests for information, engaged with site selectors and company representatives, and hosted multiple prospect visits.

GROWTH AND INVESTMENT ACROSS LIBERTY COUNTY

Industrial activity continued across the county, particularly within Tradeport East Business Center, where logistics and distribution remain central to private investment.

• Westin Furniture completed a 250,000-square-foot facility, began operations and will eventually employ 80 people. The company has indicated that future assembly operations could expand its workforce as demand grows.
• Creative Home Ideas, a national home textiles and housewares company, completed a 580,000-square-foot distribution and assembly center in Tradeport East. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to support more than 70 jobs
• The privately developed Dorchester Commerce Center, which includes more than 2 million square feet in three buildings, continues to attract national interest. A tenant announcement is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.

Manufacturing Diversification

Liberty County also welcomed new manufacturing activity in Hinesville Technology Park.

Atlantic Building Components, a truss manufacturer headquartered in South Carolina, announced plans to establish operations in Hinesville, with an initial workforce of 25. The company anticipates additional growth as residential construction continues across the Southeast.

Infrastructure as a Foundation for Growth

Infrastructure investment remained a central focus throughout the year.

• Since Gov. Brian Kemp and the State of Georgia awarded one of the first Rural Site Development Grants in the state to LCDA in late 2024, the Authority has been busy advancing necessary planning and engineering. The $2 million grant will support the construction of Tradeport West Way, a project that will open approximately 170 acres for valuable industrial development. The work includes 1.5 miles of roadway, drainage, and grading. LCDA will fund the remaining project costs.
• In Hinesville Technology Park, the extension of Technology Drive is underway, improving access and unlocking several smaller development sites, helping the park remain competitive.
• LCDA completed renovations to buildings at 99 Techwood Court and 103 Technology Drive within Hinesville Technology Park. These improvements were to stabilize the facilities and make them viable for new tenants, creating jobs.
• As a result of renovations at 99 Techwood, the Authority secured a tenant for a portion of 99 Techwood. LCDA also leased previously unused office space within the LCDA building, ensuring these publicly owned assets are positioned to deliver the highest possible return.
• In parallel, LCDA is conducting technical, financial, and regulatory due diligence to determine the most responsible and effective way to provide modern sewer infrastructure within the Authority's service area, with an emphasis on solutions that are feasible, scalable, and aligned with community and environmental priorities. All of this is being undertaken in tandem with necessary repair and maintenance projects for the existing water and sewer systems.

These infrastructure investments and asset management efforts are intended to strengthen long-term economic capacity.

Regional Collaboration and the Path Forward

A milestone in 2025 was the formation of the Tri-95 Georgia Joint Development Authority, a regional partnership of Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties. This collaboration enables the region to align development strategies, share resources, and compete more effectively for high-quality projects while respecting each community's priorities.

As we start 2026, Liberty County's economic development efforts continue to be guided by disciplined planning, infrastructure investment, fiscal accountability, and regional cooperation. LCDA remains committed to supporting existing industries, attracting quality employers, and pursuing long-term growth that strengthens both the local economy and the broader community.