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Josh Rogers made an enormous impact on Macon during his tragically short life (Photograph courtesy of DSTO Moore)
MACON — A portion of Third Street in downtown Macon will soon carry the name of one of the city’s most influential revitalization leaders.
Josh Rogers Way will be officially unveiled during a news conference and sign dedication scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 21st, on the Third Street median between Poplar and Cherry streets. The event details were announced in a news release from NewTown Macon.
Macon-Bibb County commissioners voted unanimously late last year to designate the block in honor of Josh Rogers, the longtime president and CEO of NewTown Macon. The ordinance was sponsored by Mayor Lester Miller.
Rogers, who died unexpectedly in November 2024, led NewTown Macon for more than a decade and played a central role in shaping downtown’s modern resurgence. Under his leadership, the organization helped spur hundreds of millions of dollars in investment across the community and earned national recognition, including the 2024 Great American Main Street Award. He was also posthumously honored with the 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award from Main Street America, according to the NewTown Macon release.
NewTown Macon described the street naming as a lasting tribute to Rogers’ dedication to equitable growth and a stronger, more connected Macon. During his tenure, the organization leveraged nearly $616 million in investment aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and reimagining public spaces.
Local leaders say the location is especially meaningful. The Third Street corridor is expected to evolve into a prominent public gathering space shaped by community input through the Macon Action Plan.
Mayor Miller said Rogers’ legacy is reflected in the city’s progress and sense of unity, crediting his ability to bring people together around a shared vision for Macon’s future.
According to NewTown Macon, a formal dedication ceremony and additional details about future development plans for Josh Rogers Way are expected to be announced in early 2026.
