Over $820 million invested into Georgia Main Streets in 2024

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GEORGIA (WALB) – Georgia’s Main Street Programs are thriving, state officials say. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) says the state’s Main Street Programs generated $824 million in combined private and public investments in 2024.

New statistics from 2024 show programs across the state created:

• 3,658 new jobs
• 667 new businesses
• Supported the building of 1,861 new housing units
• 556 public improvement projects
• 931 commercial rehabilitation projects

“These results are a testament to the power of local leadership and the value of sustained investment in our downtowns. Behind each new business or building improvement is a community working hard to create a more vibrant and resilient future.”

According to DCA, these community investments enhanced the useability of downtowns, creating spaces for nearly 17,000 promotional events. Those events brought 8.9 million attendees to downtown areas increasing visibility and traffic for small businesses.

In total, 91 cities from across the state participate in the DCA Main Street Program. In South Georgia, several cities directly benefit from the program including,

• Tifton
• Thomasville
• Moultrie
• Adel
• Albany
• Americus
• Cairo
• Cordele
• Douglas
• Hahira
• Pelham
• Sylvester
• Valdosta
• Nashville

Tifton, Thomasville and Moultrie are ranked as being exceptional main streets.

To learn more about how to register for the DCA main street program click here.

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