Dahlonega and Toccoa are among eight new Georgia Main Street Cities that will become part of the current Georgia's Exceptional Main Street Program.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, in making the announcement, said these communities join eight existing programs as proven leaders in downtown development.
According to a press release, together, each of these 16 cities has been carefully selected due to the overwhelmingly positive impact that the Main Street Program has had on its local historic district. From new businesses and job creation, to rehabilitation projects and downtown housing, these communities have set themselves apart with their annual economic impact numbers and focus on historic preservation.
These are the 16 cities and towns that now make up the Exceptional Main Street Program:
Bainbridge Newnan
Brunswick Rome
Columbus Statesboro
Dahlonega Thomasville
Greensboro Tifton
Madison Toccoa
Milledgeville Tybee Island
Moultrie Valdosta
“These communities are united by common attributes that help make them the strongest commercial historic districts in the state – a strong commitment to historic preservation and planning, stable leadership and active municipal support,” said Jessica Reynolds, Director of the Office of Downtown Development at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which houses the Georgia Main Street program.
As GEMS communities, these Main Street programs gain access to special one-on-one technical services offered by the Office of Downtown Development, such as strategic planning sessions, board retreats and work plan development, along with scholarship opportunities and discounted rates for training and design services.
