The Georgia Cities Foundation has named Blairsville and Rome to the 2026 Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative (GEPC). The two-year program helps cities strengthen downtowns through leadership development, partnerships, and placemaking strategies.
As members of the 2026 cohort, Blairsville and Rome will engage in a comprehensive, two-year learning experience focused on strengthening local leadership, building community partnerships, and advancing placemaking strategies that support downtown vitality, economic resilience, and quality of life. Each city has assembled a dedicated local placemaking team and secured leadership support to guide the work throughout the program.
“We are excited to welcome Blairsville and Rome into the 2026 Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative,” said Tara Bradshaw, Manager of Economic Development and Placemaking for the Georgia Cities Foundation. “Both cities have demonstrated a clear commitment to investing in their people, places, and long-term vision. This program is most successful when communities show up ready to collaborate, learn, and lead—and these teams are well-positioned to do just that.”
Through GEPC, participating cities receive hands-on training, peer learning opportunities, technical assistance, and access to statewide partners with expertise in community engagement, public space design, and local economic development. Over the course of the program, each city develops and implements a locally driven placemaking plan rooted in community input and shared vision.
Blairsville officials said they are eager to begin the work. “The City of Blairsville is thrilled to participate in the Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative,” said Kristen Benley, Blairsville Downtown Development Director. “Our team feels that this program will provide us with the creative resources needed to heighten our community’s unique assets and become a more engaging destination for locals and tourists alike.”
Rome officials also pointed to placemaking as a key driver of local impact. “The City of Rome is excited to participate in the Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative because we believe placemaking strengthens our local economy while honoring the character of our community,” said Suzanne Roberts, Downtown Development Director for the City of Rome. “We hope this experience provides us with new partnerships and strategies to better support our residents and small businesses in downtown Rome.”
The Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative is a signature program of the Georgia Cities Foundation. Managed by the Georgia Municipal Association, the program provides cities with training, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities to advance place-based economic development strategies. Through the Placemaking Grant Program, cities can implement creative, community-led projects that build momentum and activate public spaces.
For more information on the Georgia Cities Foundation or the Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative, visit georgiacitiesfoundation.org.