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
Americus, Ga
Led by Main Street and Downtown Development Authority Director Quaijuan Willis, Americus continues to build momentum through strong partnerships, historic preservation, business development and community-focused programming. Their guiding message “shared responsibility, shared investment, shared success” is reflected in the way local leaders, merchants, volunteers and community partners work together to strengthen downtown.
In 2025, Downtown Americus hosted 100 promotional events with more than 77,000 attendees, while volunteers contributed over 1,000 hours. The district also saw nearly $1.58 million in public and private investment, along with building rehabilitation, public improvement projects and new business growth.
Preservation remains central to Americus’ revitalization efforts through its annual façade grant program, partnership with the Historic Preservation Commission and continued investment in upper-floor housing and historic properties. Recent accomplishments include the Allison Building renovation, which added 12 downtown lofts, the creation of the A Team leadership pipeline and continued progress toward a major streetscape project.
Downtown Americus has a charm all its own… where colorful storefronts, glassblowing demonstrations, the glow of the historic Rylander Theatre marquee and the grandeur of the Windsor Hotel make every visit feel a little special. Add in signature events like the Women’s Wine & Chocolate Walk and the Love Local campaign, and it is easy to see why this downtown continues to capture both community pride and visitor attention.
