Growing Business, Preserving History.
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 Southeast.
Fast Facts
Number of Georgia Main Street Cities
Number of Businesses Opening or Expanding in 2022
Number of Net New Jobs Created in 2022
Number of Building Rehab Projects Completed in 2022
Total Amount of Private and Public Investment made in Georgia's Downtowns in 2022
Main Street of the Month
Virginia Highland
“Since joining as a fellowship member in 2020, the Virginia Highland District Association has enjoyed working closely with the City of Atlanta Planning Department. Through the Georgia Main Street Program, we have connected with our fellow neighborhoods within the Atlanta cohort to engage with everything the program has to offer. Virginia Highland is a historic and charming community nestled in the heart of Atlanta. Our Main Street is called North Highland Avenue, home to over 60 small businesses. We are dedicated to bringing a preservation and community-centered approach to supporting our district and its residents. VHDA’s mission is to support economic development, public realm investment, and community engagement. If you live nearby, you may have heard of our biggest annual event, VaHi Porchfest! As our Executive Director Katie Voelpel loves to say, ‘community is our favorite word,’ and we are honored to be a part of the Georgia Main Street Program.” – Sarah Miller, Marketing Director, Virginia Highland
