FAQs

How do I find out if my own city is a Georgia Main Street Community?

We have a listing of Georgia Main Street Communities here on our website. To visit this page click on the top link labeled "Our Communities" and scroll through our tiers to see if your community is listed. Our Georgia communities are separated into three groups: Affiliates, Classic Main Streets and GEMS.

How much time does it take to become a Georgia Main Street designated program?

The time it takes to become an accredited Main Street city depends on many components. Typically, cities that are interested in receiving the Classic Main Street Program designation can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to meet the National Main Street Center’s standards for accreditation.

What should I do if my city is interested in becoming a Main Street program?

If your city is interested in taking the first steps to join the Georgia Main Street network you should email our team directly at mainstreet@dca.ga.gov

How do I find out more about the National Main Street Center (NMSC)?

The NMSC shares helpful information about their national conference and is accessible at www.mainstreet.org The NMSC is based out of Chicago, additional information about the National Main Street Center and their impact can be viewed on Main Street 101 Interactive Guide.

Do you have to be a Main Street Community in order to participate in training from the Office of Downtown Development?

You do not have to be a part of the Georgia Main Street Network to participate in training offered by our office. All cities, no matter their affiliation, are welcome to register for any of our events. Keep in mind that will our training opportunities are open to everyone, in certain situations there may be discounted training rates available to Affiliate, Classic and GEMS designated cities.

When did Georgia become part of the Main Street movement?

Georgia became a part of the National Main Street Program in 1980. Georgia was one of the first accredited states to designate local programs with five communities including Athens, Waycross, Swainsboro, LaGrange and Canton. Presently we have more than a hundred Main Street Communities.

What is the role of historic preservation in Georgia Main Street Communities and nationally?

Historic Preservation and Design play a vast role in the Main Street program in Georgia and nationwide. Historic Preservation is at the focus in a community of who we promote a sense of place for our Georgia Downtowns. Historic Preservation is a platform for positive rehabilitation and adaptive reuse projects. We work with our partners at the State’s Historic Preservation Office to ensure our Main Street partners keep up to date on historic preservation practices, trainings, and ways to encourage them to become a promoter and advocate for historic preservation.

Does the National Main Street Center offer trainings?

Yes, the NMSC offers many training opportunities throughout the calendar year, but most importantly they host an annual conference called the Main Street Now Conference. If you are interested in participating in training opportunities offered by the NMSC we recommend you check out their website at www.mainstreet.org for more information.

How do I become a volunteer in a Georgia Main Street Community?

We receive a great deal of interest about how people can become involved with volunteering in their own Main Street Community. First off, we encourage you to contact the local Main Street Program where you live, or the closest one to your home. Our Georgia Main Street Managers typically have different volunteer positions for staffing seasonal events or to support day to day practical office operations. We hope you will consider supporting your local program in this way. You may always reach out to us at mainstreet@dca.ga.gov if you are unable to make contact with your local Main Street Manager.

How do I learn more about special events going on across Georgia in Main Street Communities?

The best way to find events that are happening in your community, or others, is by referencing the individual website of your Main Street Community. We also post events on our own Facebook page regularly and encourage you to subscribe to our Facebook page at facebook.com/gamainst. Additionally, we have an informative and concise weekly newsletter that shares upcoming events in our many communities. You can sign up to receive our weekly newsletter by subscribing through the link available on the bottom of this page.

What is the difference between the Georgia Downtown Association and the Georgia Main Street Program?

The Georgia Main Street Program and the Georgia Downtown Association are separate entities. The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) is a non-profit association that promotes the economic redevelopment of Georgia's traditional downtowns. GDA is an independent association that supports both public and private sector efforts targeted at enhancing Georgia's downtowns. We consider GDA our “sister non-profit” and our main promoter of all things downtown related. The director of our office serves as an ex-officio board member for GDA and our entire team works to support the organization in any way possible.

When/where is the Georgia Downtown Conference?

Learn more about the Georgia Downtown Conference here: www.georgiadowntownassociation.org/conference