Purpose Mission
The purpose and mission of the Development Authority of Walton County is to promote trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities for the public good and general welfare and to promote the economic welfare of Walton County and the State of Georgia.
Goals and Objectives
It is the goal of the Development Authority to increase and diversify the tax base of Walton County by attracting new industry and manufacturing firms and encourages the expansion of existing industry within our County. We are aware that this increase in the tax base is necessary to finance the growth of infrastructure and services required in a growing suburban county.
Strategies
The following strategies are used in order to accomplish our goals of a diversified tax base and increase job opportunities.
- The Development Authority actively markets our County and its assets to prospective companies. Our economic development team collectively contributes hundreds of hours each year working directly with existing industry and new industrial prospects, in an attempt to have them locate or expand to Walton County.
- Industrial property with all utilities is now available in Walton County. Economic and industrial development is extremely competitive with not only our neighboring counties in Georgia, but also most of the states in the Southeast. To compete in the arena today, quality sites, with all utilities in place, along with a firm and reasonable price is a must. The Development Authority has developed and excellent working relationship with Location Georgia, Georgia Power, Georgia EMC and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
- Our third strategy is to issue letters of inducement for the placement of tax exempt industrial development bonds. This is provided under federal law and allows to the purchaser of a bond to avoid payment of federal income tax on the interest; therefore, allowing a lower interest Development Authority serves as a conduit for bond financing and neither the Development Authority, its members nor the County and its citizens are in any way responsible or liable for repayment of bonds issued by the Authority to industry.