Seven Georgia cities—Alma, Barnesville, Blairsville, Elberton, Folkston, Grantville, and Summerville—will receive the Rural Zone designation starting January 1, 2026. The program will provide these communities with a range of incentives designed to support local commerce through December 31, 2030.
The Rural Zone initiative is a partnership between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Economic Development. Established in 2017, it offers tax credits to individuals who create jobs or make qualifying investments within historic downtown areas that have been designated as Rural Zones during their five-year eligibility period.
Three specific state income tax incentives are available to participants in the program: job tax credits of $2,000 per year for each new full-time-equivalent job for up to five years; investment credits equal to 25 percent of the purchase price of property within a designated Rural Zone (up to $125,000); and rehabilitation credits covering 30 percent of qualified building rehabilitation costs (up to $150,000).
Each community is encouraged to develop strategies and share information about the benefits associated with this designation for businesses and investors.
“The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low and moderate incomes buy homes, rental housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit dca.georgia.gov,” according to a statement from the department.
For additional details about the Rural Zones program or annual applications visit dca.georgia.gov.
