The city of Macon is grieving the sudden passing of one of its brightest stars and key players.
Josh Rogers, president and CEO of the non-profit economic development agency NewTown Macon, passed away on Sunday evening, November 24, 2024.
He was 42 years old.
Rogers’ tireless work in the development and revitalization of the city he loved first began in his role as Executive Director of Historic Macon, a position he was appointed to before the age of 30.
“Anyone here who knew Josh marveled at all that he accomplished… But folks outside Macon came to know of his vision, his can-do attitude and his love of Macon as well. In 2019, for example, Georgia Trend magazine named him one of Georgia’s “40 Under 40” young leaders making their communities better. — from the statement of Historic Macon
In 2014, he ascended to the chief leadership role at NewTown Macon, where he worked to revitalize downtown Macon and expand the river trail system. Among his many vital accomplishments at NewTown Macon were forming Central Georgia’s first and only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), launching downtown’s first self-taxing district (BID), building the world’s largest pop-up bike lane network, founding the Magnolia Soap Box Derby and initiating Macon’s Intercity Conference, according to NewTown’s website. He also increased storefront occupancy from 56% to 82%, added 360 loft housing units, doubled property values, and drove $350 million of public and private investment into downtown Macon while also increasing NewTown’s net assets by over 170%.
Most importantly, Rogers and his team worked hard to ensure that no Maconites were left behind. Today, more women and people of color own and operate buildings and businesses in downtown Macon than ten years ago.
Macon Mayor Lester Miller issued a statement saying, “Our hearts are with the Rogers family today, as well as with our NewTown Macon and Downtown community, as we grieve the loss of Josh Rogers. He was a true champion for our community, always pushing to make life better for all people.”
Thanks to Rogers’ leadership and the support of his team and community, Downtown Macon’s success saw enormous recognition, from Frommer’s 2023 “Best Places to Visit” to the New York Times “52 Places to Go in 2023” to CNN’s “America’s Best Towns to Visit.” Under his tenure, Macon was also named a “Georgia Exceptional Main Street” in 2023 and in 2024 a “Great American Main Street.”
But to Josh, his wife Meaghan, and his kids Jack and Ellie, it was simply the best place to call home.
Neighbor Cary Pickard named Rogers Macon’s “rockstar of the preservation world,” in a poignant statement, but also spoke of the man behind the mountain of accolades and the parts of his life outside of the work that meant so much to him.
“[Rogers] was a genius who could also work with his hands,” she said. “That’s unusual. Building things for his kids and working on his old car are things that delighted him, as did camping with friends and family.“
The team at NewTown Macon released the following statement regarding his passing on Monday, November, 25, 2024:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of NewTown Macon’s visionary leader, Josh Rogers, on Sunday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and loved ones during this difficult time.
‘Josh Rogers’ outstanding leadership of NewTown Macon has been a major factor in the amazing revitalization of downtown Macon over the past decade,” said Mercer University President William D. Underwood, who chairs NewTown Macon’s Board of Directors. “I am so proud of what he has accomplished. His untimely death is a shock to all of us who knew and worked with him through the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Meaghan, his children, Jack and Ellie, and the rest of his family.’
Josh Rogers’ dedication to revitalizing downtown Macon has left an indelible mark on our community. From his beginnings as a college intern at NewTown to his tenure as our leader, Josh’s innovative spirit, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Macon’s success transformed our city.
Under Josh’s leadership, downtown Macon became a thriving, award-winning hub of activity. Locally owned and operated businesses now fill our storefronts, reflecting the rich diversity of our community. Over 1,000 residents live in a safe, walkable urban core, and visitors from near and far are drawn to experience the unique vibrancy of our city.
Beyond his transformative projects, Josh inspired those around him to dream bigger, work harder, and collaborate to achieve extraordinary results. His vision for Macon wasn’t just about buildings or businesses—it was about people, community, and creating a place we are all proud to call home.
Josh showed us that working together brings success. He delivered countless wins for Macon, and our community is better and brighter because of his tireless efforts.
While we grieve this tremendous loss, NewTown Macon remains steadfast in our commitment to honoring Josh’s legacy. We will carry forward his vision, ensuring that the momentum he created continues to propel our community forward.
We thank the community for its understanding and support during this time of transition.”
NewTown Macon also announced that at this time, they are not accepting media inquiries.
We here at The Creek and Moonhanger Group send our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Rogers’ family, his friends, his colleagues, and all who knew and loved him. We join them in mourning his loss and celebrating his incredible life.
UPDATE (November 26, 2024): 13WMAZ reports that NewTown Macon has announced funeral arrangements for their CEO Josh Rogers, which will take place Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11 A.M. at Willingham Hall on Mercer University’s campus (located across the street from Tattnall Square Park.) NewTown Macon is also stepping up to support Rogers’ 10- and 7-year-old children through the creation of a scholarship fund. Mercer University President William Underwood, who chairs NewTown Macon’s Board of Directors, formally announced The Jack and Ellie Rogers Education Fund and asked the community’s help in supporting their education. To contribute to the children’s scholarship fund, click HERE.