Seven Georgia cities will receive Rural Zone designations starting January 1, 2026. Alma, Barnesville, Blairsville, Elberton, Folkston, Grantville, and Summerville are the latest communities to be included in this state program. The designation will remain effective until December 31, 2030.
The Rural Zone initiative is a partnership between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Economic Development. Launched in 2017, the program aims to encourage investment and job creation within historic downtown areas by offering tax credits for qualifying activities during each city’s five-year participation.
According to the DCA, designated Rural Zones are eligible for three specific types of state income tax incentives: Job Tax Credits provide $2,000 per year for each new full-time-equivalent job created for up to five years; Investment Credits allow investors to claim up to 25 percent of a property’s purchase price within the zone with a maximum credit of $125,000; Rehabilitation Credits cover up to 30 percent of qualified rehabilitation costs on buildings located within a Rural Zone, capped at $150,000.
“Each community is encouraged to develop strategies and share information about the benefits of designation to businesses and investors,” according to the release.
The DCA supports local governments and helps drive economic development across Georgia by assisting with planning efforts and affordable housing initiatives. The agency works with both state and federal resources to help create jobs and support neighborhood growth. More details about its programs can be found at dca.georgia.gov.