"Through resources made available by Georgia Main Street, our city has become more knowledgeable of what a thriving downtown should look like. Sharing that knowledge with our merchants and Main Street partners has led to growth in economic development, an increase in foot traffic, and the awareness of how a Main Street program benefits the entire community." Qaijuan Willis, Americus Main Street
The Georgia Main Street Program began in 1980 as one of the original pilot state coordinating programs of the National Main Street Initiative launched by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program launched with five local communities and has grown to serve 100+ communities statewide. Georgia Main Streets represent some of the strongest central business districts in the state and in the Southeast.
Latest News
National Spotlight on Georgia Main Street Programs
Via the National Main Street Center: From the Athens Art Alley to Tybee Island’s Beach Business Bootcamp, Georgia Main Street communities have been creating and reinforcing downtown recovery through the support of the Georgia Main Street Innovation Grant Program, made possible through generous support from The Williams Family Foundation of Georgia. This program provided five Georgia Main […]
Read MoreThree additions to GEMS
The Georgia Main Street program announced Cartersville, Monroe and Athens will be added to the list of cities that hold the designation of a Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) community. The staff of the Office of Downtown Development with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs attended the recent council meetings of each city to relay […]
Read MoreFast Facts
Number of Georgia Main Street Cities
Number of Businesses Opening or Expanding in 2020
Number of New Jobs Created in 2020
Number of Building Rehab Projects Completed in 2020
Total Amount of Private and Public Investment made in Georgia's Downtowns in 2020
Main Street of the Month
Washington, GA
“The Main Street program helps us, as managers, quantify impact. It gives me evaluation tools to ensure that we are getting the best possible return on our efforts. The Washington Main Street program is the connection point between the beautiful historic downtown square, and the citizens, entrepreneurs, and creatives that call our community home. We offer opportunities for the entire community to become engaged in the process, be it through volunteerism and leadership development, by launching a business in our community, or simply by enjoying downtown as a destination.” – Janet Parker, Director of Economic Development, City of Washington
