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. 23M AGO

    Tourists Are Spending Millions in Perry & Here’s Why

    In this episode of the Inside Perry Podcast, we’re diving into the surprising impact tourism has on Perry’s economy and community. Visit Perry Executive Director Anya Turpin joins us to discuss National Travel and Tourism Week and how visitors are spending millions in Perry each year, while supporting much more than hotels and restaurants. We also talk about Perry’s growing reputation as more than just a stop along I-75, the role Historic Downtown Perry plays in attracting visitors, changing travel trends, hidden gems around the community, and how locals can help tell Perry’s story. Plus, hear about the “We Speak Perry” program, the Welcome Center, and what makes Perry stand out as a welcoming destination in Georgia. This episode offers a fresh perspective on the community we call home. Connect with Visit Perry on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Listen to Let's Go: A Visit Perry Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more at https://www.visitperry.com/ 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.

    26 min

  2. APR 15

    Sip And Stroll Through Historic Downtown Perry

    A spring Friday in Downtown Perry has a way of slowing you down, from the glow of the lights in the trees to the energy of people enjoying the evening together. That atmosphere is exactly what makes the Historic Downtown Perry Wine Tasting such a standout event, and in this episode, we’re sharing what makes it a favorite year after year! We're joined by Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley to walk through the full experience: how the tasting works, what you’ll see as you sip and stroll, and why the night feels elevated without being overwhelming. We also talk about what makes this event different from other downtown festivals. The focus stays on Downtown Perry businesses instead of being vendor-heavy, and that means extended shopping hours, restaurant specials, and a chance to discover storefronts you might not normally catch during the usual workweek. We dig into the bigger story too: how this wine tasting grew from a small merchant-led fundraiser into a signature Main Street event that can raise tens of thousands of dollars to reinvest in downtown placemaking and beautification. Alicia shares examples of projects these funds support, plus what’s new with the VIP ticket option, including the VIP lounge, faster check-in, restrooms, and light bites. We also cover how to buy tickets safely online, what to watch for with scams, and where to find official links. Purchase tickets to the 2026 Historic Downtown Perry Spring Wine Tasting by clicking here. Alicia Hartley can be reached at alicia.hartley@perry-ga.gov 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. FEB 18

    Why Your Weather App Isn’t Enough: Inside Houston & Perry Alerts

    We sit down with Houston County Fire Chief and EMA Director Christopher Stoner to unpack the Houston County's move from CodeRED to Houston Alerts/Perry Alerts, and how smarter technology makes Perry and Houston County safer while cutting the noise. We walk through the RFP that led to Rave, the benefits of pairing with existing Motorola systems, and why usability is a lifesaver when you need to launch an alert from the field. Chief Stoner explains how precise geofencing lets teams draw a polygon around an affected neighborhood for a hazmat incident, tornado warning, or boil water advisory, so people outside the area aren’t jolted awake.   You’ll learn how re-registering modernized an outdated database and put residents in full control of the information they receive, including emergency weather, public safety alerts, trash delays, water service updates, and community events, as well as how they receive it, whether by call, text, email, push notification, or Alexa.  We cover Smart911 privacy safeguards, what data is useful for first responders, and how local caller IDs and familiar emails help people trust the messages they receive. Most importantly, we make a case for why local alerts beat generic weather apps: polygon-level accuracy for your address, not countywide alarms that don’t apply to your block. Ready to tailor your notifications? Sign up through houstoncountyga.gov or the City of Perry website, choose only the updates you want, and set how and when you want to be reached.  If you need help, call 478-542-2026 and the EMA team will guide you.  If this conversation helped, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more Perry residents can get informed faster. 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.

    23 min

  4. JAN 26

    Startup Summit: From Idea To Action

    Ready to turn a spark into a storefront or scale the business you already run? We sit down with Economic Development Director Holly Wharton to unveil the Perry Startup Summit, a FREE two-day event (Feb 19–20, 2026) built to give entrepreneurs real tools, real contacts, and real momentum. We walk through how the summit evolved from Startup Week into a conference-style experience with joint sessions for shared fundamentals and separate tracks for early-stage founders and growth-focused owners. You’ll hear about a funding and bootstrapping session led by a local entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and sold companies, plus a practical “real estate ready” talk that demystifies leases, build-out costs, zoning, inspections, and timelines. We also highlight a hands-on AI session led by Tabitha Clark that shows how to use AI as your first or next hire for smarter marketing, sharper operations, and faster problem-solving. Day Two centers on pitching with confidence. We break down how to craft a clear one-liner, a 60-second version, and a lender-ready overview so you can talk about your business with customers, banks, and investors. The resource fair and working lunch turn networking into action: sit with bankers, SBDC advisors, accountants, and marketers at topic tables and leave with names, answers, and a plan. If you’re building in Perry or anywhere in Middle Georgia, this summit connects you to the ecosystem that helps small businesses thrive. Registration is not required but encouraged for planning and lunch, and the entire event is free.  Register Here Learn More Questions? Contact Economic Development Director Holly Wharton at holly.wharton@perry-ga.gov. 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.

    14 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    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

  6. 11/25/2025

    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

  7. 10/16/2025

    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

  8. 10/03/2025

    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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inside Perry, Georgia
  • Show Website
    Inside Perry, Georgia

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