M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C H A I R

2016 has been a turning point for Fayette Visioning. The strategic plan that was put in place in 2014 is coming to fruition. In 2016, we celebrated many success stories about Fayette’s best practices and world-class initiatives in education, economy, community and place. Our implementation partners are our heroes because they are the ones that are making the plan a reality. From teacher externships to economic development; Pinewood Forrest to public safety, our community leaders are elevating Fayette County.

In 2017, we will build on our success and focus our attention on our scorecard. We have identified 12 key performance indicators that are tracked by well-respected regional or national organizations so that we can compare Fayette County to other localities and to ourselves.

On the inside of this annual report, you will find the goals, successes and indicators for each area of focus. There you will see detailed lists of our implementation partners and information about the success stories highlighted at the 2016 Fayette Visioning Summit. The indicators show where Fayette hit the mark and where it has work to do to meet the goals we have set for ourselves. We will continue to track the excellent work of our Visioning Superheroes in 2017 and look forward to sharing those successes with you next year.

I sincerely thank all of everyone for your continued participation, dedication, and involvement in all of Fayette Visioning’s programs and initiatives. The passion, commitment and support you demonstrate shines brightly as we continue to work together to realize the Fayette Vision.

“Fayette County is the place where bold ideas become reality. We shall achieve this through our collaborative and inclusive leadership

that elevates education, economic development, employment opportunities, and quality of life to unrivaled heights.”

Sincerely,Larris J. Marks

Chair, Fayette Visioning Board of Directors

T H E V I S I O N :

Fayette County is the place where bold ideas become reality. We will achieve this through our collaborative and inclusive leadership that elevates education, economic prosperity, employment

opportunities, and quality of life to unrivaled heights.

FAY E T T E V I S I O N I N G 2 0 1 6 B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S

Larris Marks, Chair

Randy Weaver, Vice-Chair

Vickie Butler, Secretary

Ogechi Oparah, Treasurer

Jim Fulton, Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty

Darryl Hicks, Fayette County Development Authority

Greg Detwiler, Georgia Power Company

Pam Reid, AVPRIDE

Kristin Melton, FutureStaff

Carlotta Ungaro, Chief Operating Officer

C O M M I T T E E C H A I R S

E D U C A T I O N : Kim Schnoes, CFP®, Peachtree Planning Corporation

E C O N O M Y : Michael Harbin, The Harbin Agency; Zaheer Faruqi, Aventure Aviation (vice-chair)

C O M M U N I T Y : Mike Stachura, Grace Evangelical Church; Dawn Oparah, AVPRIDE (vice-chair);

Sheryl Watford, YEP-Your Events & Promotions (vice-chair)

P L A C E : Vickie Butler, Keller Williams Realty; Ray Gibson, City of Fayetteville (vice-chair)

S TAY E N G AG E D W I T H FAY E T T E V I S I O N I N G !

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Create a K-12 system that is recognized as a world-class asset

How do we get there? Internships w Career days w Shared advisory panels w Soft skills programs support

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County Public Schools w Fayette County Career & Technical Education w Fayette Chamber of Commerce w Local business & industry

Increase postsecondary education opportunities in Fayette County

How do we get there? Increase post-secondary schools’ physical presence in Fayette County

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Central Michigan University w Clayton State University w Georgia Film Academy w Georgia Military College w Point University w Southern Crescent Technical College

Actively support district teachers and staff

How do we get there? Teacher externships

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County Public Schools w Local businesses & industry

G A L S

Fayette County will have an education system that is recognized as a national and international leader.

Fayette County School System teachers and school system administrators suit up in preparation to tour the “clean room” at Gerresheimer in Peachtree City. (Photo/Fayette County School System)

H I G H S C H O O L G R A D UAT I O N R AT E

Measure: Fayette County’s graduation rate is currently higher than the national average.

Fayette County graduation rate 2016: 91.2%U.S. graduation rate 2015: 83 %

Source: FCBOE

C H A L L E N G I N G H I G H S C H O O L S

Measure: All five high schools are on the Washington Post’s Most Challenging High Schools list.

2016: 4Fayette County High SchoolMcIntosh High SchoolStarr’s Mill High SchoolWhitewater High School

Source: Washington Post

A N N UA L S TAT E O F T H E S C H O O L S

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce annual “State of the Schools” forum was moved to the evening so that parents could more easily attend and included a panel of local large employers.

T E AC H E R E X T E R N S H I P P RO G R A M

Fayette County Schools set up a teacher summer STEAM Externship program.The program provided the 34 educators two days of tours of Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Panasonic, TDK, and The Woodruff Arts Center followed by collaborative sessions turning what they learned into lesson plans.

N E W P O S T- S E C O N DA R Y FAC I L I T I E S

The Georgia Military College opened the summer of 2015. Enrollment numbers for the first semester were 284, exceeding expectations. Enrollment has increased 30 percent each following semester.

The Fayetteville campus of the Georgia Film Academy opened in January 2016 and is co-located at Pinewood Atlanta studios. GFA partners with the existing university system including Clayton State University. The classes provide the basic production crafts training.

P RO J E C T L E A D T H E WAY

Fayette County Schools is the only system in the state to have the Project Lead The Way program at all school levels, elementary, middle and high. PLTW allows K-12 students to develop in-demand, transportable skills, such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication.

S C H O O L C L I M AT E

Measure: 100 percent of Fayette County schools have a score of 4 or 5 in Georgia’s school climate rating.

2015: 100%

Source: Georgia Department of Education

S C C E S S E S

I N D I C A T R SHow do we meausre success? Key performance indicators are measures compiled by a well-respected national, regional or local organization that provides a scorecard by which we can compare Fayette County to other places and to ourselves over the five-year period. The most current data is provided at www.fayettevision.org

Support small business and entrepreneurial growth

How do we get there? Business support programs w Startup community creation

Who’s implementing this part of the plan?Fayette Chamber of Commerce w SBDC w Fayette Visioning Start Up Task Force

Attract, retain and expand businesses that employ Fayette residents

How do we get there? Marketing sites w Building existing Industry support w Attracting talent w Extending fiber infrastructure

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County Development Authority w Fayette Chamber of Commerce w Georgia Department of Economic Development w Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce w QuickStart w Fayette County Public Schools w Fayette Visioning Broadband Task Force

Develop a sustainable film and entertainment cluster

How do we get there? Local film sector support w local business connection to the industry

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County Development Authority w Fayette Chamber of Commerce w Georgia Department of Economic Development

G A L S

Fayette County will have an economy that is growing and that provides jobs that align with residents’ skills.

Sigvaris’s 2015 groundbreaking ceremony. Sigvaris was one of several industry expansions completed in Fayette County in 2016. (photo/Sigvaris)

P E RC E N T O F I N D U S T R I A L A N D C O M M E RC I A L P RO P E RT Y TA X E S I N FAY E T T E C O U N T Y TA X D I G E S T

Measure: Percent of industrial & commercial property tax digest to reach 30% by 2019

2016 percentage: 24.2%

Source: Fayette County 2016 Tax Digest

A N N UA L U N E M P LOY M E N T R AT E

Measure: Fayette County’s unemployment rate below state average each year

Fayette County: 5.1%, Georgia: 6.3%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor 2015 Report

I N C R E A S E D F U N D I N G F O R E C O N O M I C D E V E LO P M E N T

FCDA was able to secure funding not only from Fayette County and Peachtree City but also all the municipalities taking their funding stream back up to 2013 levels and back on par with peer counties in the state.

I N C R E A S E D P RO D U C T

Through negotiations with property owners, FCDA has identified more than 800 acres of property available for industrial and commercial development and is actively marketing the sites.

D E V E LO P E R S DAY

FCDA hosted a Developers Day to show state and regional economic development project managers and site selection consultants what Fayette County has to offer.

B U S I N E S S E X PA N S I O N

Numerous industry expansions are underway in Fayette County including, but not limited to; Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, TDK Components, USA, Sigvaris, and Gerresheimer.

A N N UA L WAG E R AT E PA I D I N FAY E T T E C O U N T Y

Measure: Fayette County’s weekly wage rate is equal or greater than state average each year

Fayette County: $831Georgia: $1,082

Source: U.S. Department of Labor 2015 Report

S C C E S S E S

I N D I C A T R SHow do we measure our success? Key performance indicators are compiled by a well-respected national or regional organization to provide a scorecard by which we can compare Fayette County to other places and to ourselves over the five-year period. The most current data is provided at www.fayettevision.org

Develop additional quality of life amenities

How do we get there? Arts support w Multi-use event space w Beautification w Sustainability w Countywide branding

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County Arts Committee w Private businesses w Keep Peachtree City Beautiful w Pinewood Forrest w Fayette County Board of Education

Encourage housing and development that appeals to a broad population of all ages

How do we get there? Quality housing w Housing variety w Studies to provide data

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County and municipalities w Local builders and developers

Expand transportation infrastructure and mobility options

How do we get there? Comprehensive plans w Needs assessments w Alternative commuting options

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County and municipalities w ARC w Georgia Department of Transportation w Georgia Commute Options w Fayette Visioning Mobility Task Force

G A L S

Fayette County will offer residents of all ages, stimulating and enjoyable environments.

The Ridge is a public use nature area, developed and managed by Southern Conservation Trust. This Fayette County amenity is 308 acres of natural area that gives visitors a glimpse into a multitude of ecosystems, opportunities for environmental education and a diverse mix of recreational experiences. (PHOTO/Katie Pace, Southern Conservation Trust)

AC C E S S TO R E C R E AT I O N A N D C U LT U R EMeasure: Have the highest percent of people in the region answering “strongly agree” or “agree” to the question, “I have access in my neighborhood to recreation and culture”

Ranking in region: 2nd at 69.1% behind City of Atlanta at 69.6%

2016 ARC Atlanta Speaks annual survey

Q UA L I T Y O F L I F E

Measure: Have the highest percent of people in the region answering “excellent” or “good” to the question, “Rate your neighborhood a place to live.”

Ranking in region: 1st at 95%

2016 ARC Atlanta Speaks annual survey

P I N E W O O D F O R R E S T

In July 2016, Dan Cathy announced that he and partners will build an innovative live-work-play development near Pinewood Atlanta Studios. The project seeks to develop an arts culture and provide a variety of housing choices with unique offerings in retail, office and education.

7 4 G AT E WAY

A coalition among the governments of Tyrone, Peachtree City, Fayette County and Fulton County’s Fairburn is looking for ways to manage growth and development along the 74 corridor to insure a welcoming entryway to the communities and traffic flow.

C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N S

Fayette County and all five municipalities are on track to update their comprehensive land use plans by 2017. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs requires complete updates every 10 years and our local governments are all due in 2017. The County and municipalities are working on these together.

C O U N T Y W I D E T R A N S P O RTAT I O N P L A N

Fayette County has put together a transportation committee to prioritize the list of road projects that Fayette County will provide to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

S E N S E O F P L AC E

Measure: Have the highest percent of people in the region answering “stay where you are” to the question, “If you could, would you move and where?”

Ranking in region: 2nd at 81% behind Butts County at 88.9%

2016 ARC Atlanta Speaks annual survey

S C C E S S E S

I N D I C A T R SHow do we measure our success? Key performance indicators are compiled by a well-respected national or regional organization to provide a scorecard by which we can compare Fayette County to other places and to ourselves over the five-year period. The most current data is provided at www.fayettevision.org

Foster leadership opportunities and civic engagement across all generations and ethnicities

How do we get there? Leadership programs for youth as well as adults w Issues and civic engagement forums w Local government transparency

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette Chamber of Commerce wLeadership Fayette w Fayette County Schools w AVPRIDE w Local governments w ENCORE/ FACTOR

Welcome, connect and celebrate all residents and create new engagement opportunities

How do we get there? One-stop website for events w Promotion through social media

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Non-profits w Private sector businesses

Sustain Fayette’s excellence in public health and safety

How do we get there? Sheriff and police academies w Public safety information w Robert Wood Johnson Health Rankings & Roadmaps

Who’s implementing this part of the plan? Fayette County Sheriff’s Department w Municipal police departments w Piedmont Fayette Hospital w Fayette Senior Services w Fayette Care Clinic w Fayette County Board of Health w McIntosh Trail Community Service Board w Private medical providers and health facilities

G A L S

Fayette County will be a model community for embracing changing demographics and building a place where people from all walks of life can find a home.

The inaugural Balloons over Fayette, held in June 2016, drew thousands of attendees for a family-fun day of balloon rides, entertainment and food and craft vendors. (Photo/Donna Thompson)

C O M M U N I T Y I N VO LV E M E N T

Measure: Have the highest percent of people in the region answering “very involved” or “somewhat involved” to the question, “How involved are you in your community?”

Ranking in region: 1st at 82.1%

Source: 2016 ARC Atlanta Speaks annual survey

H E A LT H I N D E X

Measure: Rank as the healthiest county in Georgia

Fayette County Georgia ranking: 3

Source: 2016 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Annual Health Rankings & Roadmaps

E N G AG I N G W I T H LO C A L G OV E R N M E N T

First non-partisan Fayette Candidate Academy held to learn about running for office.

Transparency by having policies and procedures posted on county website.

Job recruitment postings shared through outreach organizations (e.g., churches and fraternal groups)

L E A D E R S H I P P RO G R A M S

28 graduates from Leadership Fayette 2016

50 students in AVPRIDE’s 2016 FYLP program

13 pairs completed Catalyst inaugural mentor program launched in June 2015

W E LC O M E & C O N N E C T R E S I D E N T S

Fayette Visioning’s online community calendar launched in 2015

Community events to celebrate include, but are not limited to: w Balloons Over Fayette w Hawaiian Run Thingy, w Dragon Boat Races w Taste of Fayetteville w Suds on the Square w MOBA Soccer w Hops & Props

E XC E L L E N C E I N P U B L I C S A F E T Y

Sheriff’s Academy and PTC community policing

Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Tyrone are all on ValuePenguin.com’s Top 10 safest cities list for Georgia

H E A LT H Y FAY E T T E

Piedmont Fayette Hospital ranked as a top 50 hospital in country by Healthgrades

Fayette County Board of Health was revamped and is focused on process automation, consolidation of services, better communication with service providers and obtaining full accreditation to have access to more public funds.

S A F E P L AC E S L I S T S

Measure: Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Tyrone all ranking in the top 10 on safety lists

Fayetteville #8 among mid-size cities 2

Peachtree City #61 overall and #3 among big cities 2

Tyrone #71 overall and #5 among small cities 2

S C C E S S E S

I N D I C A T R SHow do we measure our success? Key performance indicators are compiled by a well-respected national or regional organization to provide a scorecard by which we can compare Fayette County to other places and to ourselves over the five-year period. The most current data is provided at www.fayettevision.org

1 2016 Safewise.com2 2016 Valuepenguin.com

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