Sometimes the Win Isn't Having Your Name in the Headlines

Since May 27, 2026, I've been talking with urban agriculture colleagues and advocates about Augusta's zoning ordinance rewrite.

At the time, much of the public conversation was focused on the proposed data center ordinance. Meanwhile, I saw an important opportunity to advance urban agriculture, neighborhood food production, and food access.

For five months, I emailed Planning, shared information, and had conversations in small circles. Eventually, I sent a press release to local news outlets.

The media responded. Reporters reached out, and I connected them with colleagues who could speak directly to the issues and opportunities.

Now, we've seen two news stories in as many weeks, and food access advocates are paying attention.

October 20: https://www.wrdw.com/2026/10/20/zoning-overhaul-could-strengthen-food-access-csra/

October 29: https://www.wrdw.com/2026/10/29/augusta-veteran-pushes-ordinance-that-could-allow-more-healing-farms/

My name wasn't in the headlines. And you know what? I'm delighted.

Because the goal was never to be the story. The goal was to get the story told.

Even in the middle of a contentious election cycle, we're making room for a conversation about how land use policy can strengthen local food systems, support small growers, and create more resilient neighborhoods.

This is what I mean by civic architecture. Sometimes the work is quiet. Sometimes it takes months. Sometimes your greatest contribution is connecting the right people so that an important issue finally gets the attention it deserves.

Grounded Leadership. Resilient Communities. Opportunity Pathways. Weaving Systems.

That's GROW in practice.

And we're just getting started.

What important community issue do you think deserves more attention than it's getting?

#GeorgiaCivicArchitect #GROW #UrbanAgriculture #AugustaGA #CivicLeadership