Via National Main Street Center: We are proud to announce the eight recipients of our Small Business Accelerator Grant Program, presented in partnership with The Hartford. This $2 million, multi-year initiative supports the launch, growth, or expansion of new and existing small business accelerator spaces in Main Street communities across the country. From shared storefronts and mentorship hubs to subgrants for local small business owners, the program is designed to create more inclusive, resilient local economies.

Three established accelerator sites, including Sweet Auburn, have been awarded $25,000 grants to strengthen their operational infrastructure and increase their community reach. These funds will support strategic enhancements that improve service delivery, streamline operational efficiency, and increase their ability to serve local entrepreneurs. Congrats, Sweet Auburn!

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation presented 23 awards recognizing the best of preservation in Georgia during its 48th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Brunswick this past Saturday. Night Sky Coffee Roasters in Winder (pictured) received the Michael L. Starr Award, presented to a project that best exemplifies the highest standards of historic rehabilitation and has a significant impact on the downtown of the city in which it is located. Several #gamainst communities were highlighted, including Thomasville and Hawkinsville for downtown commercial properties. Congratulations!

THOMASVILLE, GA – April 21, 2025 – The Rose City continues to shine nationally after receiving

recognition in various USA Today’s 10Best Lists. Following a nationwide vote, Thomasville garnered

fourth place for “Best Small Town Food Scene 2025”, seventh place for “Best Small Town in the South

2025,” and tenth place in “Best Flower Festivals in the US 2025.” The national recognition continues to

cement Thomasville’s status as a standout destination for travelers near and far.

“It is a significant accomplishment for USA Today travel experts to, once again, recognize us on each of

these lists,” said April Norton, City of Thomasville Managing Director of Marketing &

Communications. “To know that people across the country voted Thomasville in the top ten of each list,

is a true testament to the strength of the collaborative efforts necessary by our citizens, merchants, and

City leadership to make Thomasville the wonderful destination that it is.”

Lewisburg, West Virginia once again topped the list as the “Best Small Town Food Scene 2025,” with

Thomasville ranking fourth as the only city on the list from the state of Georgia. According to USA

Today, Thomasville is known for its quaint, timeless charm and diverse food scene featuring Southern

specialties and traditional comfort food, welcoming guests to experience a vast range of dining delights.

Thomasville also took home seventh place as the “Best Small Town in the South 2025.” This category

included towns with populations of less than 25,000, and USA Today noted Thomasville’s deep history

and Downtown overflowing with specialty shops and local cuisine. Thomasville was the only city in

Georgia included on the national list. For the second year in a row Starkville, Mississippi topped this

year’s list.

With roses in full bloom, the Rose Show & Festival was also recognized as one of the “Best Flower

Festivals in the US 2025.” The Rose Show landed tenth on the list with our neighbors from Ball Ground,

Georgia the Daffodil Festival at Gibbs Gardens taking the top spot. Breathtaking displays of roses,

Orchids on Parade, the Annual Standard Flower Show, a lively parade, and live music were among the

highlights identified by USA Today.

Thomasville also earned recognition in the USA Today 10 Best Lists in 2024 for both “Best Small Town

in the South” and “Best Small Town Food Scene.”

USA Today publishes their annual 10Best results throughout March and April. Travel experts and

editors across the country created the top ten lists, presenting the finalists to readers who could vote for

their favorites up to one time per day over the course of a month.

“A culinary scene with something for everyone, a vibrant and welcoming small town ambiance, and a

Rose Show & Festival that has blossomed every spring for the last 104 years, we are truly blessed with

the ability to provide locals and visitors with a diverse entertainment scene,” said Norton. “This

recognition reaffirms our standing as a must-visit travel destination.”

CHICAGO, ILL., – Main Street America announced Josh Rogers, President & CEO at NewTown Macon, as a 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient. This prestigious award is Main Street America’s top honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the field of comprehensive preservation-based economic development and commercial district revitalization. The award highlights the impact of these individuals and amplifies the critical role that leaders play in shaping the Main Street Movement. The 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award was presented at the closing plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Nominated by former colleagues, and selected by a national jury, Josh Rogers is being recognized for his visionary leadership as President & CEO at NewTown Macon, and his pioneering work in community-driven revitalization.

“Josh Rogers was one of the most impactful leaders the Main Street movement has ever known. He didn’t just transform Macon’s downtown; he transformed the very framework for how Main Street programs across the country think about inclusive revitalization,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America.  “His legacy is one of courage, creativity, and a relentless belief in the power of building local. We are honored to celebrate Josh’s visionary leadership and the lasting impression he left on the national Main Street community.”

Though he passed unexpectedly in November 2024, Josh’s impact will resonate for generations to come through the values he embedded into his community. Josh was a transformative and visionary leader whose legacy lives on in the streets, storefronts, and residents of Macon, Georgia. Under his leadership at both Historic Macon Foundation and NewTown Macon, Josh shaped a new future for his Main Street built on innovation and equity.

Josh believed in providing Macon residents with the tools they needed to build wealth and prosperity in their own backyard. At Historic Macon Foundation, he leveraged tax credits not only to restore historic buildings, but also to build a model for sustainable redevelopment. These efforts led Macon to complete more historic tax credit projects than any other Main Street community in the nation.

As President and CEO of NewTown Macon, he expanded this approach with the Developer’s Academy, teaching Maconites to renovate and revitalize income-producing properties.  His leadership also contributed to the formation of Central Georgia’s first and only Community Development Financial Institution, providing capital for housing and small business development.

Under Josh’s stewardship, NewTown Macon catalyzed over $1 billion in public-private investment, growing storefront occupancy from 56% to 89%, creating 830 lofts housing over 1,000 residents, and increasing Black-owned businesses from 18% to 29%.

Josh Rogers’ leadership, innovation, and ceaseless commitment to equity embodies the spirit of the Mary Means Leadership Award. His legacy is solidified in the foundations of NewTown Macon and into the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him. He leaves behind not just a stronger more resilient Main Street, but a stronger, more resilient Main Street movement.

Exciting news! Two cities in Georgia received the T-Mobile grant:

Comer, GA: Renovate the Perch Community Center, offering a more inviting and useful gathering place for a local Farmers Market and community events.
Eastman, GA: Update Eastman City Park, including resurfacing outdoor courts, providing a place for the community to play basketball, pickleball and tennis without risking injury.

T‑Mobile recently announced its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients, bringing the total number of communities impacted to 375 across 48 states and one U.S. territory. To date, Hometown Grants have awarded over $16 million to support local development projects and generated more than 150,000 volunteer hours, bringing people together to uplift their communities in big ways. Read the full article here.

Downtown Gainesville was awarded a Science Discovery on Main Street Grant to research and identify unique aspects of their city in relation to science. This grant from Main Street America aims to help Main Street communities inspire curiosity, joy, and pride in what makes each community unique through creating engaging science-inspired attractions, events, and activities.

Through the Science Discovery on Main Street grant program, Gainesville will explore unique aspects of their community in relation to science. With the funding, grantees will build relationships with partners and plan science-centered events and programming for residents and visitors. Gainesville and the other grantees will also have opportunities to collaborate, learn together, and share their experiences with each other. Congrats to Downtown Gainesville!

Cartersville made HGTV’s list of the most charming small towns in the country and here’s why:

Cartersville is a city in Bartow County with plenty to see and do. According to HGTV, Cartersville is known for its “world-class” Tellus Science Museum. The museum houses a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex as well as a 9-foot wide jaw of a Megaladon shark. The town also has the world’s largest Western art exhibition space at the Booth Western Art Museum, which “is the only museum of its kind in the Southeast and was named 2020, 2021 and 2022 USA Today’s 10 Best “Peoples’ Choice Award for best art museum in the country,” according to the museum’s website. Read the full article here.

Congratulations to Dahlonega, Macon and Thomasville on being featured in Southern Living’s “18 Most Beautiful Places in Georgia” list! “Growing up somewhere, it can be easy to become immune to its unique virtues. Georgia is home to sweeping farmlands and soaring mountain ranges, lush pine forests and breezy barrier islands, and even bustling cities and charming small towns. With no shortage of topographies and landmarks to explore, the Peach State won’t leave any visitor wondering about its natural appeal.” Read the full article here.

Effective January 16th, Cherie Bennett began serving as Director of DCA’s Office of Downtown Development. Cherie most recently managed the agency’s Rural Zone program, the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, the Tourism Development Act program, and the Opportunity Zone program in the Office of State Economic Development, a position she has held since 2012. Prior to her service on that team, Cherie served as DCA’s representative to Region 6 for the Office of Regional Services, and as a community planner in the Office of Planning, Research, & Geoanalytics.

Prior to her arrival at the  Georgia Department of Community Affairs, she was a community planner and federal/state grants coordinator for the State’s Historic Preservation Division, and the Preservation Director for Historic Augusta, Inc. Her tenure as Manager of the DDRLF program resulted in $12.8 million of state-funded loans awarded for projects located in downtowns across Georgia, which ultimately leveraged an additional $66.2 million in private investment into Georgia’s downtowns and the creation of approximately 1400 jobs. In her role as the Manager of the Rural Zone program, Cherie administered the state of Georgia tax credit program that incentivized the creation of over 1000 jobs in designated rural downtowns across Georgia, over $21 million invested in the purchase of rural downtown properties, and over $15 million invested in the rehabilitation of rural downtown buildings.

Cherie holds a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University and Masters of Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia. Originally from Montezuma in Macon County, Cherie is a lifelong Georgian. She currently lives in Forsyth with her husband, son, cat and dog. Although Cherie was born into a Georgia Bulldog family, they are all reluctantly tolerating her daughter, who is currently a senior at Georgia Tech.  Please join us in welcoming Cherie to this new role at DCA!

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced that Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Hartwell have joined the 18 other cities recognized as Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) communities by the Office of Downtown Development. This designation highlights these communities’ unwavering dedication to the Georgia Main Street Program’s principles of downtown revitalization, economic growth, and innovation.

The GEMS status is awarded to cities that demonstrate exemplary commitment to advancing their downtowns’ economic development while preserving local culture. This designation reflects the significant strides these communities have made in promoting sustainable growth, fostering a vibrant business environment, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Each of these cities have demonstrated its own unique cultural heritage and strong community values.

GEMS communities represent some of the most successful Main Street programs in the state, providing inspiration and guidance for other cities looking to achieve similar success. “These Main Streets have exceeded expectations by making a lasting, positive impact on their communities while embracing the Main Street approach,” said Jon A. West, Director of the Community Development Division at DCA. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Hartwell for their leadership and commitment to excellence that led to this designation.”

With this new designation, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Hartwell will serve as model cities, setting a high standard for others to follow in achieving downtown progress and prosperity.

Main Street America announced that NewTown Macon in Macon, Georgia, has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2024 GAMSA honors, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama on Monday, May 6.

Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, NewTown Macon is being recognized for leading a community-driven effort that nurtures local talent, fosters sustainable development, and promotes inclusivity.

“NewTown Macon exemplifies the importance of growing from within and investing in local human capital, leadership, and pride in community,” says Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “From generational wealth building programs to pride of place initiatives, NewTown Macon offers an impressive model that centers the needs, desires, and dreams of locals.”

Situated on the banks of the Ocmulgee River, downtown Macon is bustling with over 120 locally owned and operated restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues. In 1996, the same district struggled with boarded up storefronts and neglected, vacant buildings. Where many saw a dead and decaying downtown, others envisioned a world-class city. Through the tenacious leadership of Juanita Jordan (inaugural director of the Peyton Anderson Foundation), a team of stakeholders from local institutions and the business community rallied to form NewTown Macon.

Since NewTown Macon’s inception, the organization has used the concept of the Main Street Approach™ for community transformation. Macon officially became a Main Street community in 2011 and NewTown Macon adopted the Main Street program in 2018, leading to more synergy in Macon’s revitalization efforts and strengthened communication efforts amongst all downtown stakeholders. Also beginning in 2011, the organization began investing in strategies to enliven the district through downtown housing and small business development.

A $5 million revolving loan fund issued by Bibb County kick started NewTown Macon’s loan program and led to the organization becoming Central Georgia’s first and only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2021. Through accessible loan capital using historic tax credits, NewTown Macon has added 371 units of housing, 67 storefronts, and over 1000 residents to date.

“We are deeply honored to accept the Great American Main Street Award, a recognition that underscores the collaborative spirit and dedication of our entire community,” said Emily Hopkins, Vice President of External Affairs and Main Street Macon Manager at NewTown Macon. “This award celebrates our shared vision for downtown Macon’s revitalization, where every citizen actively contributes to creating a vibrant and prosperous future for generations of Maconites to come.”

NewTown Macon’s core values of local loyalty, imagination, action, empowerment, and accountability, serve as cornerstones for the organization’s commitment to grassroots revitalization efforts. To ensure that their work reflects the diversity of the community, NewTown Macon engages in initiatives designed to foster a welcoming district and to nurture generational wealth building through entrepreneurship and property ownership. Through their CDFI, entrepreneur and developer academies, and Downtown Diversity Initiative—an entrepreneurial training program formed in partnership with the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages—NewTown Macon has increased the number of Black-owned businesses in downtown from 28 to 50. They have also helped 23 local entrepreneurs purchase and renovate commercial spaces for their businesses, creating stability and pathways for community wealth.

“This accolade recognizes Macon’s remarkable achievements in transforming its downtown into a vibrant hub where the entire community can gather and engage in rich, cultural experiences,” said Jessica Worthington, Director, Office of Downtown Development at Georgia Department of Community Affairs. “Macon’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and dynamic urban center sets a shining example for our state and cities nationwide.”

Main Street America named NewTown Macon as a 2024 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) Semifinalist. This prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants. After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns.

“The Great American Main Street Award is the highest honor that we grant to organizations within our network,” said Matt Wagner, Chief Program Officer at Main Street America. “We are elated to recognize NewTown Macon and seven peer organizations as 2024 GAMSA Semifinalists for their incredible accomplishments in transforming their downtowns through innovative programs strategically designed to preserve their unique heritage, foster economic vitality, and create a welcoming atmosphere.”

For more than 40 years, the Main Street America movement has been committed to strengthening communities by revitalizing older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through preservation-based economic development.

The Dallas Main Street Program was considered a start-up Main Street program in 2021 and later became a Downtown Affiliate Network. After completing the rigorous accreditation process in January 2023, the Dallas Main Street Program was invited to apply to become a Classic Main Street Program. Becoming an accredited Classic Main Street Program is a mark of distinction. This level of recognition given is for the commitment of building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets. “It has been wonderful to support the City of Dallas on its journey to accreditation over the past two years. While they have a beautiful courthouse, great shops, and tons of opportunities that lie ahead, it’s their leadership and commitment to downtown revitalization that has really set them apart.” -Jessica Reynolds, Director, Office of Downtown Development.

All Classic Main Street programs are annually accredited by the state of Georgia and designated by the National Main Street Center. These communities have set themselves apart by emphasizing historic preservation education and economic development, leading to an active and vibrant downtown.” Dallas Main Street Manager Shannon Gordon says, “When you look at many of the successful downtowns across the state, majority of them are Main Street communities using the proven and successful Main Street Approach. The city of Dallas has worked so hard to become a Main Street Program over the last two years and I can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish with the help of Georgia Main Street and the resources and knowledge it provides.” In the last year, Dallas Main Street introduced two new events to Downtown which led to record sales days for multiple businesses in our Main Street District. The local program also introduced its own gift certificate program, Downtown Dollars, which can be purchased in the Business Development Office (200 Main Street) and can be spent at 16 participating businesses located in Downtown Dallas and the immediate surrounding Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District.

Via the Georgia Downtown Assocation: Spring is well underway and so is planning for the 2023 Georgia Downtown Conference!  We hope you are planning to join us in Canton, August 21-24, 2023. Applications are now available to begin submissions for education sessions. All submission proposals need to be received by April 28th. Visit the GDA website here for applications and additional conference information. As always, contact me if you have any questions at rcoakley@gacities.com or 678-244-0511. Can’t wait to see you in Canton!

The GM on Main Street Grant Program has awarded six $25,000 grants to nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities to implement innovative placemaking initiatives in their local districts. Made possible by General Motors, this grant program prioritized applications that were place-making focused, innovative, inclusive, feasible, and replicable or easily scalable for other Main Street programs. Congratulations to Little Five Points on receiving in East Atlanta on receiving this grant!

T-Mobile just revealed the names of 25 more American small towns that will receive Hometown Grants to jumpstart vital community projects, including Cedartown, GA! Created to help local communities move forward on projects that build on the strengths that have always made them great places to live and work, Hometown Grants are inspired by the unique sense of place and deep pride that is so much a part of every small town. T-Mobile works with the National Main Street Center to determine recipients. View press release here.

Main Street America recently announced Macon has completed more historic preservation tax credit projects than any other community in the nation. According to Main Street America’s “Mapping Main Streets” project, 69 historic tax credit projects have been completed in Macon’s Main Street district, which aligns with the Central Business District in downtown Macon.

Historic tax credits have been the single most transformative financing tool for the revitalization of Macon’s urban core. Qualifying income-producing properties are eligible to freeze their property tax value at the pre-improvement rate for 8.5 years and can receive 25% of their qualified rehabilitation expenses, or QREs, as a state income tax credit and 20% of their QREs as a federal income tax credit. These savings incentivize locals to purchase and rehabilitate eligible historic properties using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring Macon’s historic commercial district and neighborhoods retain their character and charm. Read full story here.

Recently, Downtown Dublin, Downtown Douglas and Downtown Perry were featured in Georgia Trend for their innovative ideas regarding pedestrian safety. “Moving pedestrians safely around downtowns is essential to the economic vitality of Georgia communities.”

Read the full story here.

Via the National Main Street Center: From the Athens Art Alley to Tybee Island’s Beach Business Bootcamp, Georgia Main Street communities have been creating and reinforcing downtown recovery through the support of the Georgia Main Street Innovation Grant Program, made possible through generous support from The Williams Family Foundation of Georgia. This program provided five Georgia Main Street Program communities $10,000 each last fall to help fund innovative revitalization efforts to address the current and/or legacy impacts of COVID-19.

A year after receiving their grants, we caught up with the five grant recipients—Downtown Athens, Georgia, City of Tifton, Downtown Thomasville, Georgia, Tybee Island Main Street, and Downtown Valdosta Main Street—to learn more about their creative and out-of-the-box ideas around COVID-recovery. In this week’s Community Spotlight, learn more about the winning ideas and their progress thus far: https://bit.ly/38TUjgZ