Georgia Main Street Program

Another great downtown visit in the books! Our team recently spent time with Main Street Toccoa, where Manager Cynthia Brown and Events & Marketing Coordinator Emrie Canen gave us a tour of all the exciting things happening downtown.

As one of Georgia’s GEMS communities, Toccoa had plenty of progress to share. From welcoming several new businesses and checking out recent façade grant projects to getting a closer look at the expansion underway at the historic Ritz Theatre, there was lots to celebrate.

Thanks to Cynthia and Emrie for showing us around and sharing how Main Street Toccoa continues to invest in its businesses, historic buildings, and downtown experience. We always enjoy seeing Georgia’s downtowns in action!

Governor Brian Kemp has officially proclaimed September 21–25, 2026 as Small Business Opportunity Week in Georgia, recognizing the important role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in strengthening our state’s economy and communities.

Here in Georgia’s downtowns, we see that impact every day. Small businesses create jobs, bring life to our commercial districts, invest in their communities, and help shape the unique character of the places we call home.

This week, and every day, we’re proud to celebrate Georgia’s small business owners and entrepreneurs and the many ways they help our communities grow and thrive.

Shop small. Support local. Celebrate Georgia’s small businesses!

Today’s stop: Blackshear! 📍

Ellen Hill with Georgia Main Street’s Office of Downtown Development enjoyed spending the day with downtown professionals from across the region at today’s GDA Regional Meet Up in Downtown Blackshear.

These meet ups are always a great chance to connect, share ideas, see what’s happening in another Georgia downtown, and learn from the people doing the work every day. Thanks to Blackshear for hosting and welcoming everyone to town!

Georgia Downtown Association - est. 1999

A little downtown inspiration from West Point! 💛

Cherie Bennett, Director of the Office of Downtown Development, recently spent some time exploring Downtown West Point, checking out local projects, connecting with community leaders, and seeing firsthand the work happening to keep this charming downtown moving forward.

We always love getting out into Georgia’s communities, swapping ideas, and celebrating the people putting in the work to make their downtowns shine. Thanks for having us, West Point! ✨

✨ There’s a lot to celebrate in Downtown Brunswick! ✨

For more than two decades, Downtown Brunswick has continued to build momentum by bringing historic buildings back to life, supporting local businesses, investing in public spaces, and creating a downtown that serves as both the economic and cultural heart of the community.

Since 2005, Downtown Brunswick has seen 394 rehabilitation projects, more than $216 million in public and private investment, 229 façade improvements, and 2,603 jobs created.

Add in historic squares, public art, waterfront views, local businesses, signature events, and more than 1.3 million downtown visits in 2025, and it is easy to see why Brunswick continues to stand out.

We also have another reason to celebrate this month. Mathew Hill, Executive Director of the Brunswick Downtown Development Authority, was recently recognized with the Inspired Leader Award at the Georgia Downtown Conference.

For more than two decades, Mathew has helped turn a vision for Downtown Brunswick into reality through collaboration, historic preservation, entrepreneurship, persistence, and creative problem-solving. His impact can be seen throughout the district, from major redevelopment projects to helping launch the now-beloved First Friday, which regularly brings more than 10,000 people downtown.

Congratulations to Downtown Brunswick and Mathew Hill. There is a lot to celebrate on the Georgia coast!

Such a fun day in Downtown Hapeville! 🎨✨

Today’s GDA Regional Meetup gave us the chance to connect with downtown professionals from across the region, share ideas, and explore everything that makes Hapeville such a unique place.

One of the biggest highlights was seeing Hapeville’s incredible public art strategy in action. Murals and other public art displays can be found throughout downtown, adding color, personality, and a strong sense of place around nearly every corner.

A huge thank you to Downtown Hapeville for hosting us, sharing your story, and giving us plenty of inspiration to take back to our own communities. There’s nothing better than learning from each other—and having a colorful downtown as the backdrop doesn’t hurt! 🎨💛

🏆 2026 GDA Award Winner Spotlight: Downtown Bainbridge!

Big investment. Big vision. Big momentum for Downtown Bainbridge.

The Element by Westin has been recognized with the Georgia Downtown Association’s Premier New Development Award, celebrating a transformational project that is helping reshape Bainbridge’s downtown and riverfront.

Representing more than $30 million in investment, the new 100-room hotel brings elevated accommodations, dining, recreation and approximately 30 full-time jobs to the heart of downtown. With direct access to the Flint Riverwalk and an adjacent parking deck that also serves downtown visitors, the project was designed to strengthen the connection between the riverfront, local businesses and the downtown experience.

More than a new hotel, The Element represents what can happen when vision, investment and strong public-private partnerships come together to create lasting impact.

Congratulations to Downtown Bainbridge, GA on this well-deserved recognition! 👏✨

Some people never forget where they came from & Dolly Parton spent a lifetime reminding the rest of us why those places matter. 🤍

Born in the mountains of East Tennessee, Dolly carried the heart of a small town with her everywhere she went: a love for neighbors, a gift for storytelling, a deep generosity, and the belief that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary things.

Georgia even holds a small piece of her story. In 1966, Dolly and the love of her life, Carl Dean, quietly traveled to Ringgold, Georgia, where they were married in a simple ceremony—a small-town beginning to a love story that would last nearly six decades.

Today, we remember a woman whose influence reached around the world while her spirit always seemed rooted in the kinds of communities we know and love: places where stories are shared, people look after one another, and a little bit of sparkle can go a long way.

Thank you for the music, the laughter, the generosity, the stories, and for showing generations that you can dream big without ever losing touch with home.

Rest well, Dolly. Your light will keep shining on Main Streets, front porches, and small towns everywhere. ✨🤍

⏰ There’s still time to help save a place that matters.

Nominations for the 2027 Places in Peril list are open through September 1! If there’s a historic building, neighborhood, cemetery, cultural landscape, or archaeological site in your community facing a serious threat, now is the time to speak up.

A nomination can help shine a spotlight on a special place, rally community support, and open the door to new preservation opportunities. 🏛️✨

Every preservation success story starts with someone saying, “This place is worth saving.”

📝 Submit your nomination by September 1!
https://www.georgiatrust.org/our-programs/places-in-peril/nominate-a-place-in-peril/?mc_cid=b04db6d4f6&mc_eid=96c6060de5

There’s a lot happening in Downtown City of Lawrenceville, and Cassidi loved getting a closer look during an early August visit with Jasmine! ✨

From checking out the Lawrenceville Lawn and new developments, to the mix of local businesses, gathering spaces, and public art projects, Lawrenceville is a great example of a downtown that keeps evolving while holding onto its sense of place.

Thanks to Jasmine for the tour, the conversation, and a great morning exploring Downtown Lawrenceville! 🏙️💛