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Department of Economic Development

Mission and Overview

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

Utilizing viable economic growth and innovative policies, the City of Port Wentworth is committed to creating a robust business environment that fosters job creation, attracting well-planned and strategic investments, all while working to enhance the quality of life for our citizens. We welcome and support diverse industries, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and provide access to resources and opportunities that allow our current and future businesses the opportunities to succeed in our thriving and expanding community. Our vision is to build a community and business environment that continues to support economic prosperity and enhance our City for future generations.

James Touchton
Director of Economic Development
James R. Touchton, MPA, MBA (’24)
jtouchton@portwentworthga.gov
Read Bio

Brief Narrative on the Department of Economic Development

The City’s Department of Economic Development plays a critical role to achieve the core values of our economic development mission statement.  The role contains many moving parts, to include, business recruitment, retention and expansion;  Developing a strong workforce that addresses the current and future needs of our economy; Coordinating with various city departments to ensure the holistic view of economic development is maintained; Providing economic incentive options to potential investors and coordinating development efforts as the point of contact for the City; Maintaining current critical relationships already established and developing and maintaining relationships in the public and private sector.

Overall, the City of Port Wentworth’s economic development department plays a vital role in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for residents by attracting and retaining businesses, promoting workforce development, and supporting small businesses.

Economic
Development

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City Hall

7224 GA Highway 21
Port Wentworth, Georgia 31407
Phone: 912.964.4379
Fax: 912.966.7429

Hours:

8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Department Phone Numbers

Development Services  –  (912) 999-2084

Recreation Department –  (912) 966-7428

Senior Citizens Center  –  (912) 964-5411

Police  –  (912) 964-4360

Public Works  –  (912) 966-7427

Fire  –  (912) 966-7425

Human Trafficking Notice
Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or the Statewide Georgia Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842) for help.

Copyright © City of Port Wentworth, Georgia 2024

James R. Touchton, MPA, MBA (’24)

Director of Economic Development –
Executive Director – Port Wentworth Development Authority
James Touchton has a long career in policy, politics, lobbying, strategy, partnerships, marketing, fundraising, and economic development strategy, with nearly two decades of experience driving impactful growth across Georgia. He currently serves as both the Director of Economic Development for the City of Port Wentworth and the Executive Director of the Port Wentworth Development Authority, where he leads initiatives to attract investment, support local businesses, and shape the city’s future as a regional hub for innovation, recreation, and commerce.
James’s career spans local and state government, business advocacy, and strategic policy development. He previously served as Director of Policy and Government Affairs and chief lobbyist for the Council for Quality Growth, where he represented several hundred companies in the growth and development industry and helped shape regional policy across metro Atlanta. Earlier, James spent five years in the Georgia Senate Research Office advising legislators on various public policy issues, and held earlier roles in the Georgia General Assembly as an aide and the Office of Governor Sonny Perdue as an intern.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is also a proud Delta Tau Delta Fraternity member and was recognized as the 2018 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by Kennesaw State University’s Department of Political Science and International Affairs.
Outside the Office
James lives in Port Wentworth with his partner Amanda, where they enjoy the coastal lifestyle. He’s an avid boater and a self-declared terrible golfer, proudly playing the same round of golf for over twenty years. At home, he often hangs out with his dog George and two cats, Kitty and Reagan. Grounded in service and community, James brings heart, humor, and strategic vision to everything he does.

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