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 2025
Number of Net New Jobs Created in 2025
Number of Building Rehab Projects Completed in 2025
Total Amount of Private and Public Investment made in Georgia's Downtowns in 2025
Volunteer Hours Contributed in 2025
Main Street of the Month
LaFayette, Ga
Downtown LaFayette is our Main Street of the Month, and we’re so happy to celebrate them. They joined the Georgia Main Street network as an Affiliate in 2021, and in 2025 hit a big milestone by earning Classic Main Street designation.
A lot of that momentum is thanks to Wendy Ingram, Downtown Development Authority Director, who’s helped guide the program with a clear focus on two things that go together perfectly: beautification and storytelling. You can really see it in their recent program branding refresh, which gave Downtown LaFayette a more consistent look and feel. It’s not just a new logo or colors. It’s a better way to share LaFayette’s story, spotlight local businesses, and help people recognize and connect with the program.
That same “keep it local” energy is showing up through their Downtown Loyalty Card promotion, which has already tracked more than $100,000 spent locally during the campaign. Downtown LaFayette has also added some great new places for people to gather and enjoy downtown. The Downtown Commons and Gateway Park are quickly becoming community favorites, hosting music, events, and even school functions.
With all these good things happening, Downtown LaFayette is a great example of what Main Street is all about: making downtown more beautiful, more connected, and even more loved.
