COLUMBUS, Ga. – You’ve probably heard in recent weeks about columbus having net zero

job growth in the past thirty years.

Mayor Teresa Tomlinson mentioned this issue in her state of the city address.

So what is the city doing about it?

A good work force **is** the focus.

In 2015 they entered in a relationship with Columbus State to create a new cyber security program to ensure a highly qualified workforce.

When you talk about a thriving Columbus business – TSYS is always a part of the conversation.

And like TSYS- city leaders want to focus on the people coming to Columbus.

Bill Murphy with the Columbus Chamber says, “While there is a lot of good things going on – we saw opportunities to realign and refocus our energies so we’re firing on all cylinders.”

It’s called the Regional Prosperity Initiative.

Chamber and community leaders will work together to find ways to counter the zero net job growth .

A major focus is to engage young professionals and recruit good talent by increasing prosperity, reducing poverty, and improving the quality of life.

The group also wants to keep the region connected and come up with a brand identity.

Murphy says, “I think to a certain extent we needed that little kick in the behind to say we’ve done a lot of great things but what’s next? “

Columbus State Senior Umeika Henry is excited about what’s going on Columbus.

While she will go on to finish her education in Florida – she says she would love to live in Columbus someday.

“I really like the community everything is so convenient to me.”

The group has been working for 10 months.

They plan to start the program the the first week of March.