44 S G M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 45 D OW N TOW N Welcome to the Neighborhood Another “sold” sign pops up, adding to the growing list of businesses eager to be a part the revitalization in downtown Bainbridge. Amanda Glover, executive director of the Bainbridge Downtown Development Authority (DDA), says the recent surge in real estate activity is due in large part to the city’s designation as a Georgia Rural Zone, which provides tax credits for economic growth in the downtown area. Under the direction of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, each year up to 10 communities are established as Rural Zones. The zones enable businesses and investors to obtain tax credits for up to five years. The tax credits are available for job creation activities, investment in downtown properties, and renovation of properties to make them usable. To receive designation as a Rural Zone, cities must have a population of less than 15,000. Other requirements include a concentration of historic commercial structures within the zone; proven economic distress based on poverty rate, vacancy within the downtown area, or blight; and a master or strategic plan designed to guide private and public investment. Bainbridge, an accredited Main Street America program, was one of nine downtowns selected as a Rural Zone in 2018. The other communities include Commerce, Cornelia, Fitzgerald, Jonesboro, Nashville, Perry, Springfield, and Bainbridge Riding the Wave of Revitalization Amanda Glover, executive director of the Bainbridge Downtown Development Authority