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 2024
Number of Net New Jobs Created in 2024
Number of Building Rehab Projects Completed in 2024
Total Amount of Private and Public Investment made in Georgia's Downtowns in 2024
Main Street of the Month
Perry, GA
Downtown Perry tells a story the moment you arrive, one of heritage, creativity, and a community that actively invests in its future. With 196 businesses lining its walkable streets, the district blends historic architecture, locally loved shops, and vibrant gathering spaces that make it a true hub of community life. Visitors can browse boutiques, dine at an expanding lineup of restaurants, or spend a morning at the beloved farmers market, where local flavor and friendly faces showcase the spirit of Perry.
That energy is especially evident along Macon Street, where the city’s new Welcome Park, supported by a Georgia Cities Foundation grant, features playful musical instruments and inviting seating designed to bring people together. This project reflects a broader wave of momentum downtown, where strategic redevelopment, new dining and service businesses, housing investments, and thoughtful planning initiatives are all working together to strengthen the district’s vitality.
A special shoutout goes to Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley, who has led the program since 2022 with energy and dedication. Working closely with the Downtown Development Authority, she focuses on supporting merchants, advancing board-led projects, and helping guide strategic initiatives and policies that keep downtown Perry moving forward.
From intentional growth to strong community partnerships, Perry is proving that when vision meets action, a downtown doesn’t just grow, it thrives.
