NEWS - Economic Development

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 4, 2012 – The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the Georgia Cities Foundation will again explore the “Heart & Soul” of eight Georgia cities along the coast of Georgia on a three day bus tour in April, including a stop in Savannah.

The bus tour, April 18-20, will show state agency heads, business leaders, downtown developers and philanthropists ways in which cities are revitalizing and capitalizing on their downtowns. Participants will learn about downtown programs in Dublin, Sylvania, Statesboro, Hinesville, Jesup, St. Marys, Savannah and Metter. 

“The Foundation’s goal is to help cities through successful public-private partnerships,” according to Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr, “and we will show eight very good examples of cities that have been successful in creating wonderful downtowns and vibrant communities through such partnerships.”

The Foundation has held a bus tour every year since 2001 as part of an overall effort to educate and inform state leaders on the importance of successful downtown development and its role in supporting overall economic development efforts for regions and communities.

“The Foundation has a proven track record of downtown development,” said Starr. “Since 2002, GCF has provided loans totaling more than $13.1 million for 75 projects in 41 cities across the state, generating more than $70 million in new private investment.”

In 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored the Georgia Cities Foundation with its Main Street Ally award.

Approximately 50 people will participate in the tour, with some joining the tour at particular stops along the way, according to GMA.