Community Action Plan
Building a Stronger, Resilient, and Connected Pleasant Hill
Foundations of our Strategy
The Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization (PHNO) is committed to fostering a thriving, resilient, and connected community. Our community action plan is the culmination of extensive engagement and collaboration, beginning with a neighborhood survey and SWOT analysis in February 2022. This was followed by a series of Town Hall meetings, facilitated by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, and in-depth focus group discussions involving residents, local government, and various nonprofit organizations. This community action plan outlines our collective vision for the future of Pleasant Hill, focusing on key areas:
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Business Development
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Infrastructure Improvements
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Public Safety
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Cultural Preservation
It serves as a roadmap for continued progress, with each action item reflecting the needs and aspirations of our community. The plan’s success relies on the continued support and active participation of residents, partners, and stakeholders as we work together to implement these initiatives.
Pillars of Progress
Our strategic plan is anchored by four key pillars that guide our efforts
As we move forward with the implementation of our strategic plan, we are already seeing significant impacts across the community. The revitalization of key commercial areas, improvements in public safety, and enhanced community spaces are just the beginning. Here’s a snapshot of the positive changes underway:
Impact Preview
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Encouraging Business Development
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Priority One
Our first strategic priority focuses on fostering business growth within Pleasant Hill. This includes initiatives like the Madison Street Development, which aims to attract new businesses and support the expansion of existing ones. Key actions under this priority include:
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Conducting commercial market analysis and developing master plans for new commercial nodes
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Supporting the development of an innovation corridor, providing shared workspaces and co-op opportunities
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Hosting educational sessions and events to connect residents with business resources and entrepreneurial education
These efforts are designed to create a thriving business environment that benefits all residents of Pleasant Hill.
Improving Neighborhood Infrastructure
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Priority Two
Enhancing the physical infrastructure of Pleasant Hill is essential to our community’s quality of life. Our initiatives focus on addressing blighted properties, improving transportation and connectivity, and creating safe, welcoming public spaces. Key projects include:
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Continued demolition of unsafe structures and planning for the reuse of abated properties.
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Implementation of traffic calming measures and improved street lighting.
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Construction of the James Brown Memorial Bridge and other key infrastructure projects.
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Enhancing parks and recreational facilities, including the significant improvement of Linear Park.
These projects aim to create a safer, more connected neighborhood that meets the needs of all residents.
Interrupting Violence and Fostering Public Safety
Priority Three
Our third strategic priority focuses on reducing crime and increasing safety in Pleasant Hill. This includes expanding community-based programming, enhancing community policing efforts, and building stronger support systems. Key actions include:
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Expanding the Cure Violence Macon framework and other public safety programs.
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Implementing mental health co-responder programs to support both first responders and local families.
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Developing the Block Captains program as a grassroots approach to neighborhood safety.
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Supporting initiatives that address substance abuse, mental health, and public safety through community outreach.
By prioritizing safety, we are working to ensure that Pleasant Hill remains a secure and welcoming place for everyone.
Celebrating Arts, Culture, and History
Priority Four
The fourth pillar of our strategic plan is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Pleasant Hill’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Our initiatives under this priority include:
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Thoroughly documenting the history of Pleasant Hill through oral histories, historic research, and first-person accounts.
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Enhancing the Little Richard House as a cultural site and focal point for visitors.
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Continuing and expanding artistic and cultural programming at L. H. Williams and the Booker T. Washington Community Center.
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Installing historical markers and improving neighborhood gateways with updated signage and landscaping.
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Establishing a Communications Chair within PHNO to enhance outreach and engagement.
These efforts are designed to honor the legacy of Pleasant Hill while promoting its cultural assets to a wider audience.
Behind the Plan: History, Data & Direction
Go beyond the strategy and learn about the research and analysis that helped shape this community vision.
This foundational report explores the historical decisions and systemic disinvestment that have shaped Pleasant Hill over decades. It highlights the neighborhood’s legacy of resilience in the face of displacement and offers critical insights for equitable planning today.
Explore the full Past Prosperity Study
The Pleasant Hill Community Action Plan is a comprehensive roadmap designed to guide our neighborhood's growth and development while preserving its rich history. This plan highlights our key priorities and strategies, aimed at fostering a thriving, connected, and resilient community.
For a deeper dive into our full vision and initiatives, download the complete plan by clicking the button below.
Explore the full Community Action Plan
Our Collaborators
Our mission is strengthened by the collaboration with key partners who share our vision for a thriving, historic Pleasant Hill. Our Strategic Alliances include institutions like the Booker T. Washington Community Center, L.H. Williams Elementary School, and many others. Together, we work on projects that preserve our history and support the ongoing development of our community.
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Our Valued Collaborators
Pleasant Hill’s success is built on the support of a wide range of collaborators, including local schools, historical sites, and community organizations. Learn more about the partners that help us achieve our goals, with links to their websites for more information.