MAIN STREET PROGRAMS
Main Street America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through historical preservation-based economic vitality. Since 1980, the Main Street Approach has helped thousands of communities revitalize their historic downtowns by focusing on economic vitality, historic preservation, community engagement, and placemaking.
The organization promotes a framework known as the Main Street Approach, which centers on four key areas:
- Economic Vitality – Supporting small businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
- Design – Enhancing the physical appearance of downtown through historic preservation, beautification, and public spaces.
- Promotion – Marketing downtown as a vibrant destination through events, branding, and storytelling.
- Organization – Building partnerships, engaging volunteers, and creating strong leadership to sustain revitalization efforts.
Main Street America emphasizes that successful downtowns are built through collaboration among local governments, businesses, nonprofits, property owners, and residents. Communities participating in the Main Street network benefit from training, technical assistance, research, and access to a nationwide network of professionals committed to downtown revitalization.
The overall mission of Main Street America is to create flourishing, welcoming, and resilient downtowns that preserve downtown character while supporting economic opportunity and improving quality of life.
Georgia Main Street is a statewide downtown revitalization program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). It partners with local communities to strengthen downtown districts by promoting economic vitality, historic preservation, community engagement, and place-based planning.
The program follows the nationally recognized Main Street Approach, helping communities create vibrant, economically healthy downtowns while preserving their unique historic character. Georgia Main Street communities receive technical assistance, professional training, networking opportunities, and access to state and national resources to support long-term success.
Georgia Main Street focuses on:
- Strengthening downtown small businesses and attracting new investment in downtown.
- Preserving and enhancing historic downtown buildings and public spaces.
- Promoting downtown through events, marketing, and tourism.
- Building partnerships among local government, businesses, property owners, nonprofits, and volunteers.
- Encouraging strategic planning and sustainable economic vitality.
Communities designated as Georgia Main Street programs are committed to maintaining an active downtown organization, following best practices in downtown management, and implementing projects that improve the quality of life for community residents and visitors alike.
The mission of Georgia Main Street is to help communities create vibrant, economically sustainable downtowns that preserve Georgia's historic character while fostering investment, entrepreneurship, and downtown community pride.