PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WSAV) — The City of Port Wentworth’s Economic Development Authority held its first Economic Outlook luncheon on Wednesday, which provided an in-depth analysis of economic trends and potential challenges.
City leaders told News 3 that the population of Port Wentworth has grown rapidly in recent years, almost doubling between 2010 and 2020. This year, the population is projected to grow by 17%.
“I think that the future is great for Port Wentworth,” Economic Development Director James Touchton said. “I think we heard some bold, visionary numbers today. When you think you know, you hear numbers like 90,000 in the income. We've had incredible growth in the last 20 years.”
Touchton said as a result, the demand for housing is increasing. WSAV was told that 3,200 housing permits are in the pipeline for 2025 and 2026.
Port Wentworth’s city manager said the rapid growth isn’t a shock. Other city leaders agreed and said that major developments like the Hyundai Plant and the growth of the Port of Savannah are creating more jobs.
“They say change is going to happen regardless,” Touchton said. “Change happens with growth.”
Projects in the works that will continue to enhance the quality of life include the downtown revitalization plan, a new fire headquarters and a multipurpose trail. There has also been a lot of excitement around the new 150-acre recreational sports and entertainment park that's slated to open in 2026.
“The green is the growth, the green community,” Touchton said. “It's also just for the green of the economic development, the dollars coming in our community. So, the more growth, more dollars, more investment, the better quality of life.”
WSAV was told that people can expect eight new hotels within the next two years.