One of the most rewarding aspects of serving Georgia’s 537 cities is that I have the opportunity to experience them beyond the interstates and highways, and beyond the brochures and websites.
There is something special about spending time in a community and seeing firsthand what makes it unique, and a place people love to visit. Tourism allows us to discover Georgia’s G.E.M.S., not just as destinations, but as communities that Grow, Explore, Maximize, and Spark positive change.
Tourism helps cities GROW in more ways than one. It brings in visitors, supports small businesses, and generates critical revenue that strengthens city budgets. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, visitor spending generated $4.2 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2022. These dollars often support parks, infrastructure improvements, public safety, and quality of life projects.
At GMA, we know that strong downtowns are essential for tourism and for local economies. That’s why we created the Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF). Through its downtown revolving loan programs, GCF has leveraged nearly 250 million dollars in private investment in Georgia cities in the last 22 years. This year, we were pleased to work with legislative leaders to secure 5 million dollars in new state funding along with 2.5 million in support by the Woodruff Foundation to continue expanding opportunities for cities to facilitate business development and job growth in Georgia’s downtowns.
And these downtowns draw visitors from far and wide. From peach festivals to historic tours to culinary trails to passionate fans visiting the sites of television shows and movies, Georgia’s cities offer something to EXPLORE year-round. Events like the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, the Firefly Trail Festival in Union Point, and the Magnolia Midlands BBQ Festival in Douglas not only bring joy to residents but also boost local economies.
Recently, GMA’s Legislative Policy Council and Board members spent several days in the City of Madison, exploring this hidden gem. We were warmly welcomed and hosted by GMA President and Madison Mayor Fred Perriman. Madison is a perfect example of a Georgia city where history and hospitality come together in a meaningful way. The community is known for its well-preserved antebellum homes, beautiful brick-lined downtown, and commitment to maintaining its historic character.
In 2023, Georgia welcomed over 167 million domestic visitors, and many of them to cities like Madison that offer walkable downtowns, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of place. Every city has a unique story and an opportunity to promote itself based on some asset it enjoys.
Cities that thrive know how to MAXIMIZE their potential. Every community has something worth building on. GMA helps cities unlock that potential. Through our partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia and its RSVP program and the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, we provide city officials with in-depth education, leadership development, and design assistance that benefit their citizens and creates strong, attractive communities.
The Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative also helps cities activate and enhance public spaces by turning alleys into art walks, vacant lots into pop-up parks, and underutilized areas into inviting destinations.
With more than $73 billion in annual economic impact and nearly a half million jobs supported statewide, tourism is not just an industry, it’s an engine for growth, revitalization, and community pride.
What sets a city apart isn’t always its size or location, it’s the SPARK of energy and passion of the people who call it home. From visionary elected officials to engaged community partners and committed professional staff, people can ignite that positive experience in a city.
As summer travel season gets underway, I encourage you to explore Georgia with fresh eyes. Visit a city you’ve never been to. Attend a local festival. Talk with someone who runs a business downtown. You are likely to find G.E.M.S. and leave with a new appreciation for the people and places that make our state so special.
Keep lifting, keep leading, and keep loving your city and supporting all cities.
