Main Street Macon has been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
 
“We are thrilled to honor this year’s 829 nationally accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and the revitalization of their commercial districts,” says Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “The power of Main Street shines across the country through these vibrant communities, who have all worked to generate impressive economic returns, preserve community character, and celebrate local history.”
 
In 2017 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.48 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,211 net new businesses, generated 30,294 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,737 historic buildings, and clocked 2.7 million volunteer hours.
 
Main Street Macon’s performance is annually evaluated by Georgia Main Street, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.
 
In 2017, Main Street Macon documented over $19.6 million in public and private investment in Macon’s Central Business District. Main Street Macon works to guide business owners through government processes, facilitate community events in downtown Macon, steer beautification and infrastructure projects while promoting preservation, and build collaborative partnerships that connect the public and private sector.

“Main Street Macon’s staff and board of directors leverage strategic partnerships to fulfill our mission: to collaborate to bring life and business to downtown Macon,” said Emily Hopkins, Main Street Macon Manager. “Our accreditation as a Classic Main Street program proves our commitment to the revitalization of the Central Business District and the power of partnership.”