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 2025
Number of Net New Jobs Created in 2025
Number of Building Rehab Projects Completed in 2025
Total Amount of Private and Public Investment made in Georgia's Downtowns in 2025
Volunteer Hours Contributed in 2025
Main Street of the Month
Monroe, Ga
Located in the heart of Walton County, Monroe has long served as a center of community life, commerce, and local pride. Walton County was created in 1818, and Monroe became the county seat soon after, growing around the public square and the historic courthouse that remains one of downtown’s most recognizable landmarks today. The current historic Walton County Courthouse, completed in the 1880s and later restored, continues to anchor the downtown district and reflect Monroe’s deep preservation story.
Today, Downtown Monroe is carrying that legacy forward with energy, investment, and a strong sense of place. As a 2026 GEMS community, Monroe continues to demonstrate the kind of leadership, organization, and commitment to the Main Street Approach that helps downtowns thrive year after year. Their annual assessment recognized a strong organizational foundation, complete and timely reporting, professional execution, and a clear dedication to downtown growth and vitality.
And the numbers tell an exciting story. In 2025, Downtown Monroe hosted 54 promotional events that welcomed an incredible 377,294 attendees into the heart of the community. Volunteers contributed 1,273 hours of service, valued at more than $41,000, showing just how much local support is behind Monroe’s continued momentum.
Monroe also saw major reinvestment downtown, with 7 completed building rehabilitation projects, 17 public improvement projects, 8 new or expanding businesses, and 22 net new jobs. Altogether, the community reported more than $17 million in public and private investment downtown in 2025 — a powerful reflection of confidence in Monroe’s historic commercial district and its future.
From its courthouse square and historic buildings to its thriving events, local businesses, and growing investment, Downtown Monroe is a place where history and momentum meet. It is a downtown that honors its past while continuing to create new reasons for people to visit, gather, shop, invest, and call Monroe home.
Congratulations to Downtown Monroe on being named Georgia Main Street’s June 2026 Downtown of the Month. We are proud to celebrate the people, partnerships, and progress that make Monroe such a standout in Georgia’s Main Street network!
