Inside Perry, Georgia

City of Perry Communications Office
  • 5.0 (1)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Inside Perry podcast! Where you get an inside look at Perry, Georgia’s local government. We’re glad you chose Perry – where people make the difference. Whether you stay a few hours or a lifetime, your time in Perry will be rewarding and unforgettable. We look forward to seeing you around in our amazing community Where Georgia Comes Together. Visit us at perry-ga.gov.

  1. 20H AGO

    The Night A Fancy Buzzard Throws A Party

    A flock of buzzards changed our city - and gave us a reason to throw one of the most memorable New Year’s Eve parties in Georgia. We trace the surprising path from a real infrastructure headache on Perry’s water towers to a smart, humane solution and a celebration now recognized by USA Today.  You’ll hear the true story behind the migratory route that brought vultures to our skyline, how permits and a clever decoy ended the damage, and why we chose to lean into the moment by creating Bob the Buzzard, our bow-tied host for the big night. We open the doors to Historic Downtown Perry and walk through what makes the Buzzard Drop special: free activities that welcome families, live entertainment that keeps the energy high, and a festive lineup of local food and beverage options. The kitty countdown lets kids and early-to-bed guests ring in the new year without the late night, while the midnight countdown brings the classic thrill, complete with photos and dancing alongside Bob. It’s a celebration built on accessibility, community pride, and a dose of small-town charm that feels anything but small. Along the way, we share how local government problem solving can spark cultural wins - balancing wildlife considerations, infrastructure protection, and permits with creativity and hospitality. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another year, this guide helps you make the most of the night and understand the heart behind the tradition. Join us downtown, say hello to Bob, and help us welcome the new year together. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more people discover Perry’s Buzzard Drop. NOTE: The 2026 Kiddie Countdown begins at 9:00 p.m. instead of the usual 8:00 p.m. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    4 min

  2. NOV 25

    What’s Opening Next In Perry: From Perry Parkway To Downtown

    A wave of new spots is changing the rhythm of daily life in Perry, and we’re mapping it corridor by corridor so you know what’s open now and what’s around the corner. From coffee and cones to craft beer and new hotel keys, the skyline isn’t the only thing shifting - your options for food, services, and experiences are growing fast. We start on Perry Parkway, where recent openings like KidStrong, Pilates, Waffle House, Giles Outdoor Power, and Holy Pie Pizzeria set the pace. Then we look ahead to Dunkin’ paired with Baskin Robbins, Surcheros, Meridian Craft Kitchen, Flow and Glow Wellness, a nail salon, Jack in the Box, Five Star Credit Union, and Valvoline - an everyday mix that keeps errands and weeknight meals closer to home. Over on Sam Nunn Boulevard, the new Hilton Garden Inn is open, while strategic redevelopment is reshaping high-traffic sites: Aspen Dental and Piedmont Urgent Care at the former Chick-fil-A property, Sonic at the old Zaxby’s, a Japanese hibachi in the former Applebee’s, and a major Hampton Inn renovation to match the corridor’s role as a gateway. Downtown gets momentum from the Chalet Lofts, adding homes above fresh dining like Fuego Fresco and the Italian market Ciao Bella, with another 36-unit loft building in the pipeline. A craft destination, Left at the Pig Brewery, brings energy to Jernigan Street, and a new Morris Bank strengthens Main Street services. Citywide, major anchors round out the picture: a dual-branded Marriott at the Georgia National Fairgrounds with a restaurant and beer garden, Jack Link’s manufacturing up and running, and the UGA Grand Farm pushing ag-tech research and startup testing. Underneath it all is a simple driver: more homes, more neighbors, and more demand for better choices. We connect the dots on how residential growth supports restaurants, medical services, hotels, and financial institutions—and why that matters for traffic, convenience, jobs, and a resilient local economy. Tune in to get the what, where, and why of Perry’s growth spurt, and hear how we’re working to keep it smart, sustainable, and community-first. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more Perry residents stay in the know. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    15 min

  3. OCT 16

    Zoning, Simply Explained

    We sit down with Community Development Director, Joe Duffy, to unpack how Perry’s zoning code actually works, why it exists, and what it means for your street, your business idea, or your next home project. From the century-old origins of zoning to today’s land management ordinance, we walk through the guardrails that keep homes, shops, and industry compatible - and how those rules adapt as our community changes. You’ll hear a clear explanation of the documents that guide decisions: the zoning code that sets standards block by block, and the comprehensive plan that charts the City's long-term vision. We dig into practical questions residents ask every day, how to find your property’s zoning, when historic district rules trigger design review, and how to navigate permits without wasting time or money. For bigger changes, we break down the rezoning process step by step: filing the application, staff analysis against state and local criteria, public hearings before the planning commission, and the final vote by city council. Along the way, Joe shares why proposals often evolve through feedback from City staff and the community. Most important, we highlight how your voice shapes outcomes. Public hearings, online portals, and open meetings make it simple to review applications and weigh in with support or concerns. We also preview Perry’s 2026 comprehensive plan update, a year-long effort where residents can influence future land use, growth corridors, and neighborhood character. If you care about housing choices, small business vitality, historic preservation, or how streets feel and function, this conversation gives you the tools to engage with confidence. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    17 min

  4. OCT 3

    From Plans to Progress: Perry’s 2025 Goals in Action

    Big promises are easy; durable infrastructure is harder. We sit down with Mayor Walker to unpack how Perry’s 2025 goals—many born from a 2014 strategic plan—are now taking shape across water, sewer, roads, stormwater, and parks. This is the blueprint for a city that plans decades ahead while delivering practical improvements you can feel today. We dig into the East Perry Wastewater Treatment Facility, now about 60% complete, designed for long-term capacity and located at the confluence of Mossy Creek and Big Indian Creek. You’ll hear how the synchronized sewer outfall system ensures that new treatment capacity actually connects to neighborhoods and businesses, and why the Bear Branch pump station upgrades will relieve pressure on fast-growing areas near Highway 127. Traffic relief gets its due with the GDOT-funded Swift at Commerce rework—smoother flow, fewer backups, and a better downtown experience—while the Sadie Heights stormwater plan replaces worry with resilience through culvert upgrades, an expanded pond, and cleared canals. We also talk funding fairness. A third-party water and sewer rate study lays out an equitable path to pay for new infrastructure without neglecting the system residents rely on today. Resilience is front and center, too: after Hurricane Helene, emergency backup power for the Tucker Road Water Treatment Plant became a must-have to protect water service during severe weather. Not every project moves in a straight line; Heritage Oaks PTV access is on hold pending developer updates. And because growth is surging on the east side, we’re locking in opportunity now with East Perry Regional Park land acquisition, using SPLOST dollars to secure space for future fields, trails, and flexible recreation that can evolve with demand. If you care about how a city grows responsibly—balancing capacity, safety, and quality of life—this conversation offers a clear, grounded tour of what’s underway and what’s next. Subscribe, share with a neighbor, and tell us which priority you want to see move fastest. Your feedback helps shape the 2026 goals. View 2025 Goals & Objectives Presentation. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    25 min

  5. SEP 30

    From Idea to Open Doors: How Perry’s Free Business Blueprint Helps Entrepreneurs Start and Grow

    A new kind of startup support just landed in Perry—and it’s designed for real life. We’re unveiling Business Blueprint, a free, self‑paced training platform that helps local entrepreneurs move from “I’ve got an idea” to “I’m open for business,” with clarity, confidence, and a direct line to our team when questions pop up. We walk through what makes Business Blueprint different: short video modules you can finish on a lunch break, full captions and transcripts if you prefer to read, and a practical workbook that turns watching into doing. You can start anywhere—idea validation, market research, brand basics, funding and financial planning, or operations—and jump to the topics that match your stage. Best of all, a built‑in “I need help” button connects you to our economic development office for fast, human support and referrals to trusted partners like the Small Business Development Center. This isn’t generic startup advice. We partnered with the Startup Support Center to bring expert‑led content and paired it with local know‑how so you understand both the business fundamentals and how to work smoothly with City processes—from permits and home occupation requirements to timelines that keep your plan on track. Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, launching a storefront, or expanding an existing business, Business Blueprint lowers barriers, speeds learning, and makes Perry easier to do business with. If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment,” this is it: free access, flexible learning, and real support when you need it. Check the show notes for the quick application link, get your welcome from Mayor Walker, and start your first module today. Enjoying the conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to build something great in Perry. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    10 min

  6. SEP 26

    Scarecrows, Beer Tastings, and Halloween Fun: Exploring Historic Downtown Perry's Fall Events

    Historic Downtown Perry transforms into a vibrant hub of seasonal festivities throughout October with themed scarecrows, beer tastings, and family-friendly Halloween events! We explore the exciting lineup of fall activities that bring the community together while showcasing the unique character and businesses of Perry. • Scarecrow Festival runs all October featuring 37+ storybook-themed displays throughout downtown with public voting via QR codes • Downtown Beer Tasting on October 17th offers 20 sampling stations, live music, and a commemorative cup for $50, benefiting the Main Street Advisory Board • Ghouls Night Out extended shopping hours on October 30th (5-8pm) with special promotions and downtown businesses open late • Sweets and Treats provides safe Halloween trick-or-treating downtown on October 31st from 4-6pm with 34+ candy stations • Perry Farmers Market runs every Saturday year-round (9am-1pm), with special Second Saturday Artisan Showcases beginning in October • Fall events are just the beginning, with the holiday season bringing even more activities to Historic Downtown Perry Be sure to follow Historic Downtown Perry on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and details, or visit perry-ga.gov and click the downtown link at the top of the page. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    17 min

  7. SEP 15

    Keys to Downtown: Honoring Perry's Business Pioneers

    In today’s episode, we explore the Keys to the Downtown District — a new recognition program celebrating the businesses and people who make Historic Downtown Perry thrive. From milestone anniversaries to exciting new ventures, the Keys shine a spotlight on the heart of our community. Hear how this initiative began, what it means for Perry’s future, and how you can join us in celebrating the stories that keep downtown vibrant. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just discovering Perry, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the charm, creativity, and connections that make our downtown the place Where Georgia Comes Together. Learn more about the Keys to the Downtown District: perry-ga.gov/keys If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    12 min

  8. JUN 11

    Budget Breakdown: What Every Perry Resident Should Know

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Finance Director Mitchell Worthington to break down Perry’s annual budget process and explain where your tax dollars go. From property tax rates to parks, public safety, and infrastructure — we’re covering what funds the services you rely on and how the City makes strategic financial decisions each year. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to Perry, this conversation will help you better understand how the budget works and how it impacts your daily life. Learn more about SPLOST here. Explore budget documents and financial reports here. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit us at perry-ga.gov. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

    28 min
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About

Welcome to the Inside Perry podcast! Where you get an inside look at Perry, Georgia’s local government. We’re glad you chose Perry – where people make the difference. Whether you stay a few hours or a lifetime, your time in Perry will be rewarding and unforgettable. We look forward to seeing you around in our amazing community Where Georgia Comes Together. Visit us at perry-ga.gov.

Information

  • Creator
    City of Perry Communications Office
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Inside Perry, Georgia
  • Show Website
    Inside Perry, Georgia