2025 DARC Annual Retreat – Serenbe, Georgia

The Development Authority of Rockdale County (DARC) held its annual board retreat from June 25–27, 2025 at Serenbe, an award-winning wellness and agri-focused community located in Palmetto, Georgia. This multi-day session brought together DARC board members and CREDC support staff for strategic planning, performance review, and forward-thinking discussions that will shape Rockdale County’s economic development priorities for the coming year.

Serenbe offered an ideal setting for this year’s retreat.  It is a nationally recognized model of intentional land use, sustainable design, and placemaking. As Rockdale County explores opportunities to attract quality jobs, investment, and innovative development, Serenbe served as an inspiring case study for how vision, planning, and public-private collaboration can transform communities.

During the retreat, participants focused on:

• Strategies for site readiness and industrial property development
• Reviewing the tax abatement process and future compliance tracking efforts
• Evaluating opportunities to support business retention and expansion
• Attracting businesses that represent the culture of the citizens in Rockdale County
• Exploring creative approaches to talent attraction and quality-of-life enhancements

The retreat also provided an opportunity to review work supported by the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC), including discussions around building a formal compliance program, identifying areas for additional administrative support, and creating a more aligned strategic plan between development efforts and board priorities. DARC continues to fund targeted initiatives that assist both new and existing industries, ensuring Rockdale remains competitive in the broader metro Atlanta region.

As Rockdale County continues to grow, the annual retreat reinforces DARC’s commitment to strategic, sustainable development and its leadership role in driving the region’s economic future.