TIFTON — City council members discussed potentially expanding Tifton’s enterprise zones during their most recent meeting.

At the April 7 city council meeting, city clerk and deputy city manager Jessica White recommended the city expand the enterprise zones out from the downtown sector and down south towards 17th Street in an effort to provide support and rehabilitation to the area.

White explained that the expanded zone would entitle property owners with significant investment in the designated area to receive abatements on building permits, property taxes, and business licenses. Additionally, these benefits would be made available to any new businesses who set up in the area.

The enterprise zone program is intended to support city areas suffering from disinvestment, underdevelopment, and economic decline by encouraging private businesses to reinvest and rehabilitate those areas.

Currently, the city’s enterprise zone covers the sector of the city along US-82 from Magnolia Drive to US-41, with the proposed expansion to stretch down to 17th Street and focus on the area of the city between Ridge Avenue and Central Avenue. However, the sections between Ridge Avenue, Park Avenue, and 13th St, as well as between 13th St, Park Avenue, and Central Avenue, will not be included.

Council members are expected to discuss and potentially come to a decision regarding this item at their April 21 meeting.