Overview

The Department of Georgia Main Street Program originated from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2003, Hapeville was the only city in Georgia to receive Main Street designation.

Main Street City

As a designated city, Hapeville receives technical assistance and resources from the DCA, which assist the City in their efforts to build a stronger local economy through revitalization of the downtown area. Such technical assistance and advice designed to stimulate downtown revitalization are provided to designated cities through a variety of public/private partnerships.

The Main Street approach has been implemented in over 1,800 cities and towns in 44 states across the nation with the help of the National Main Street Center and statewide downtown revitalization programs. By carefully integrating four points into a practical downtown management strategy, a local Main Street program will produce fundamental changes in a community's economic base. These four points include:

Organization

Organization involves building a Main Street framework that is well represented by business and property owners, bankers, citizens, public officials, chambers of commerce and other local economic development organizations. Everyone must work together to maintain a long-term effort.

Promotion

Promotion creates excitement downtown. Special events and image development campaigns are some of the ways Main Street encourages customer traffic. Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors and visitors and also positioning the downtown in the market place.

Design

Design enhances the attractiveness of the business district. Historic building rehabilitation, street and alley clean-up, colorful banners, landscaping and lighting all improve the physical image of downtown as a quality place to shop, work, walk, invest in and live. Design improvements result in a reinvestment of public and private dollars to downtown.

Economic Restructuring

Economic restructuring involves analyzing current market forces to develop long-term solutions. Recruiting new businesses, creatively converting unused space for new uses and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants are examples of economic restructuring activities.

Board of Directors

The Main Street Board of Directors is comprised of local residents and representatives from major businesses and organizations. Also, three committees have been established to each focus separately on design, promotion and economic restructuring.  To apply for Board service, please complete the Board Application for Service and return to the Main Street Manager.

Meeting Dates

The Main Street Board of Directors hold monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in City Hall.