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 2023
Number of Net New Jobs Created in 2023
Number of Building Rehab Projects Completed in 2023
Total Amount of Private and Public Investment made in Georgia's Downtowns in 2023
Main Street of the Month
Commerce, GA
“Commerce, Georgia, truly has something for everyone! Nestled just north of Atlanta, our town boasts a variety of recreational activities. Whether you’re into mountain biking, pickleball, fishing, comics, antiques or just enjoying a day at the park, we have it all. Our recent focus has been on enhancing our downtown State Street corridor to offer more entertainment and walkability. We have 7 miles of connected sidewalks and have recently updated two alleys for pedestrian usage, connecting downtown restaurants and shops to our future event park location. We’re thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of 1818 Brewery this October. With the help of the Georgia Main Street program, we were able to locate a private developer to work with the city and Main Street in a public/private partnership that has transformed a historic building into a vibrant brewery, creating a welcoming space for families and friends. In addition, we’re undertaking a $13 million restoration project across the street, converting a former Wrangler Jeans Manufacturing plant into a new City Hall and event venue. Our downtown area features locally owned restaurants and shops, making it a unique destination for both residents and visitors. The Main Street program has been instrumental in supporting these projects, helping us preserve our heritage while ensuring a bright future. We are proud to be a Classic Main Street in Georgia and to be recognized as the Main Street of the Month for September!” Natalie Thomas, Downtown Development Director
