Inside Perry, Georgia

We sit down with Community Development Director, Joe Duffy, to unpack how Perry’s zoning code actually works, why it exists, and what it means for your street, your business idea, or your next home project. From the century-old origins of zoning to today’s land management ordinance, we walk through the guardrails that keep homes, shops, and industry compatible - and how those rules adapt as our community changes.

You’ll hear a clear explanation of the documents that guide decisions: the zoning code that sets standards block by block, and the comprehensive plan that charts the City's long-term vision. We dig into practical questions residents ask every day, how to find your property’s zoning, when historic district rules trigger design review, and how to navigate permits without wasting time or money. For bigger changes, we break down the rezoning process step by step: filing the application, staff analysis against state and local criteria, public hearings before the planning commission, and the final vote by city council. Along the way, Joe shares why proposals often evolve through feedback from City staff and the community.

Most important, we highlight how your voice shapes outcomes. Public hearings, online portals, and open meetings make it simple to review applications and weigh in with support or concerns. We also preview Perry’s 2026 comprehensive plan update, a year-long effort where residents can influence future land use, growth corridors, and neighborhood character. If you care about housing choices, small business vitality, historic preservation, or how streets feel and function, this conversation gives you the tools to engage with confidence.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

Big promises are easy; durable infrastructure is harder. We sit down with Mayor Walker to unpack how Perry’s 2025 goals—many born from a 2014 strategic plan—are now taking shape across water, sewer, roads, stormwater, and parks. This is the blueprint for a city that plans decades ahead while delivering practical improvements you can feel today.

We dig into the East Perry Wastewater Treatment Facility, now about 60% complete, designed for long-term capacity and located at the confluence of Mossy Creek and Big Indian Creek. You’ll hear how the synchronized sewer outfall system ensures that new treatment capacity actually connects to neighborhoods and businesses, and why the Bear Branch pump station upgrades will relieve pressure on fast-growing areas near Highway 127. Traffic relief gets its due with the GDOT-funded Swift at Commerce rework—smoother flow, fewer backups, and a better downtown experience—while the Sadie Heights stormwater plan replaces worry with resilience through culvert upgrades, an expanded pond, and cleared canals.

We also talk funding fairness. A third-party water and sewer rate study lays out an equitable path to pay for new infrastructure without neglecting the system residents rely on today. Resilience is front and center, too: after Hurricane Helene, emergency backup power for the Tucker Road Water Treatment Plant became a must-have to protect water service during severe weather. Not every project moves in a straight line; Heritage Oaks PTV access is on hold pending developer updates. And because growth is surging on the east side, we’re locking in opportunity now with East Perry Regional Park land acquisition, using SPLOST dollars to secure space for future fields, trails, and flexible recreation that can evolve with demand.

If you care about how a city grows responsibly—balancing capacity, safety, and quality of life—this conversation offers a clear, grounded tour of what’s underway and what’s next. Subscribe, share with a neighbor, and tell us which priority you want to see move fastest. Your feedback helps shape the 2026 goals.

View 2025 Goals & Objectives Presentation.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

A new kind of startup support just landed in Perry—and it’s designed for real life. We’re unveiling Business Blueprint, a free, self‑paced training platform that helps local entrepreneurs move from “I’ve got an idea” to “I’m open for business,” with clarity, confidence, and a direct line to our team when questions pop up.

We walk through what makes Business Blueprint different: short video modules you can finish on a lunch break, full captions and transcripts if you prefer to read, and a practical workbook that turns watching into doing. You can start anywhere—idea validation, market research, brand basics, funding and financial planning, or operations—and jump to the topics that match your stage. Best of all, a built‑in “I need help” button connects you to our economic development office for fast, human support and referrals to trusted partners like the Small Business Development Center.

This isn’t generic startup advice. We partnered with the Startup Support Center to bring expert‑led content and paired it with local know‑how so you understand both the business fundamentals and how to work smoothly with City processes—from permits and home occupation requirements to timelines that keep your plan on track. Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, launching a storefront, or expanding an existing business, Business Blueprint lowers barriers, speeds learning, and makes Perry easier to do business with.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment,” this is it: free access, flexible learning, and real support when you need it. Check the show notes for the quick application link, get your welcome from Mayor Walker, and start your first module today. Enjoying the conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to build something great in Perry.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

Historic Downtown Perry transforms into a vibrant hub of seasonal festivities throughout October with themed scarecrows, beer tastings, and family-friendly Halloween events!

We explore the exciting lineup of fall activities that bring the community together while showcasing the unique character and businesses of Perry.

• Scarecrow Festival runs all October featuring 37+ storybook-themed displays throughout downtown with public voting via QR codes

• Downtown Beer Tasting on October 17th offers 20 sampling stations, live music, and a commemorative cup for $50, benefiting the Main Street Advisory Board

• Ghouls Night Out extended shopping hours on October 30th (5-8pm) with special promotions and downtown businesses open late

• Sweets and Treats provides safe Halloween trick-or-treating downtown on October 31st from 4-6pm with 34+ candy stations

• Perry Farmers Market runs every Saturday year-round (9am-1pm), with special Second Saturday Artisan Showcases beginning in October

• Fall events are just the beginning, with the holiday season bringing even more activities to Historic Downtown Perry

Be sure to follow Historic Downtown Perry on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and details, or visit perry-ga.gov and click the downtown link at the top of the page.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

In today’s episode, we explore the Keys to the Downtown District — a new recognition program celebrating the businesses and people who make Historic Downtown Perry thrive.

From milestone anniversaries to exciting new ventures, the Keys shine a spotlight on the heart of our community. Hear how this initiative began, what it means for Perry’s future, and how you can join us in celebrating the stories that keep downtown vibrant.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or just discovering Perry, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the charm, creativity, and connections that make our downtown the place Where Georgia Comes Together.

Learn more about the Keys to the Downtown District: perry-ga.gov/keys

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Finance Director Mitchell Worthington to break down Perry’s annual budget process and explain where your tax dollars go.

From property tax rates to parks, public safety, and infrastructure — we’re covering what funds the services you rely on and how the City makes strategic financial decisions each year. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to Perry, this conversation will help you better understand how the budget works and how it impacts your daily life.

Learn more about SPLOST here.

Explore budget documents and financial reports here.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Perry Leisure Services Director Curtis Coates III to talk about the 7th Annual Special Needs Community Egg Hunt!

This inclusive event provides a welcoming space for individuals of all abilities to celebrate the season with crafts, games, and a variety of egg hunts tailored to different needs.

Event Information:

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Rozar Park – 1060 Keith Drive, Perry, GA
Rain Plan: Event will be moved indoors to the Worrall Center at Rozar Park

For more information, contact Perry Leisure Services at (478) 988-2860.

Learn more about Perry Leisure Services here.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

In today's episode, we sit down with Economic Development Director Holly Wharton to discuss Perry's new Business Blueprint tool!

Whether you’re starting a new business or looking to grow, the City of Perry now offers this FREE resource to help you navigate the process. This program provides the tools and information you need to start, expand, or diversify your business with confidence.

Register for the Business Blueprint here.

Connect with Holly Wharton by email at [email protected] or by phone at (478) 988-2755.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

Perry Startup Week 2025 is almost here, and it's all about igniting innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and building a stronger business community! 

In this episode of the Inside Perry Podcast, we sit down with Holly Wharton, Perry’s Economic Development Director, and Alicia Hartley, Downtown Manager, to discuss how Perry Startup Week fosters entrepreneurship, promotes collaboration and networking, and offers valuable resources for business growth.

Perry Startup Week 2025 takes place February 24-28, 2025.

Register and view the schedule on our website.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

The City of Perry is shaping its vision for a successful and impactful 2025.

In this episode, Mayor Randall Walker shares the City's top goals and key initiatives planned for the year ahead.

Learn more about Mayor and City Council, including a calendar of public meetings,  by visiting the City's website.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.