Fayette County Delegation Returns From Cary Trip Focused on Strategic Growth

September 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. – Fayette County leaders, including County Administrator Steve Rapson and Assistant County Administrator Jason Tinsley, have returned from the Fayette County Development Authority’s 2026 Cary Research & Discovery Trip with new insights to support intentional community growth. The three-day visit to Cary, North Carolina, which wrapped up Sept. 23, gave local officials a firsthand look at successful approaches to economic development, sports tourism, and strategic growth.

While the agenda covered topics ranging from the role of healthcare in community growth to workforce development, county leaders highlighted the power of strategic partnerships in developing public art and sports tourism.

The delegation explored the substantial impact of public art and intentional civic spaces.

“Public art and placemaking are more than aesthetic enhancements. They are foundational investments in a resilient economy and a vibrant community,” Rapson said. “Our experience in Cary, particularly its use of strategic partnerships to develop Downtown Cary Park into a signature civic asset, reinforced the importance of a clear, consistent vision for transforming everyday spaces into memorable destinations. We look forward to applying these collaborative models in Fayette County.”

“Our time in Cary gave us a clear look at how a community can successfully leverage sports tourism, community engagement, and economic development. Hearing directly from city leaders and industry experts helped us understand what it takes to build strong partnerships and create experiences that truly benefit residents and visitors alike,” Tinsley said.

The Fayette County Development Authority organized the trip to highlight how downtown investment, housing strategy and economic development can reinforce one another. As Fayette County navigates ongoing growth, local leaders plan to leverage these insights to create lasting impacts, ensuring a stronger community and a brighter future for residents.