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Downtown Bainbridge has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”

In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.

The Downtown Bainbridge’s performance is annually evaluated by Amanda Glover, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

Downtown Bainbridge has experienced tremendous growth in 2021 with twenty one new businesses being opened, creating ninety five jobs. Fifteen properties have sold over the last year with sales totaling over $1,800,000. Over the span of eleven private improvement projects, more than $2,890,000 has been invested privately into downtown. Downtown Development Authority Director Amanda Glover said, “The City of Bainbridge has worked closely with the Georgia Main Street Program over the last 30 years. As a Main Street community, we have executed the Main Street Approach by implementing a program of work based upon our Strategic Vision and Plan. Bainbridge has been a pillar of Southwest Georgia, standing as a center for trade and commerce. This has been demonstrated by streetscape projects, creating local incentives to encourage downtown redevelopment, and by the city’s nearly $4,000,000 investment in its City Hall located within the heart of downtown. The last several years have been challenging for all, and Bainbridge has shown its resilience by continuing to invest in its downtown by cultivating community partnerships through the Broad Street Alley project, by constructing the Downtown Station (Public Restrooms + Visitor Information), an open air venue known as the Hook & Ladder, installing a public park-let, and creating additional outdoor seating areas in Willis Park, our town square. The Main Street community is an immeasurable resource that has helped shape and guide our program. Bainbridge’s energetic downtown continues to improve our community and grow opportunity for local entrepreneurs.”