Among the investments, and attractions, to downtown the last five years has been the Ritz Amphitheater. 

THOMASVILLE — The numbers back up downtown Thomasville’s effect on the economy.

Assistant City Manager Sheryl Sealy recently presented city council members with the downtown economic impact report.

“It’s actually an economic development engine,” she said. “When you talk about downtown, it’s not just a pretty place to eat and shop.”

Since 1981, when Thomasville Main Street Program started, there has been a net gain of more than 300 businesses in downtown, leading to just 1,300 new jobs. 

The economic impact report the city developed, Sealy said, is now being used throughout the state. 

Every dollar a community uses in support of its Main Street program leverages an average of $18.90 in new investment.

Since 1981, public and private reinvestment in downtown has reached $141 million.

From 2017-21, there have been 60 new or expanded businesses in the downtown area, and nine alone in 2021. Those 60 new or expanded businesses led to 286 new jobs. 

Also during that period, there was $58.8 million in public and private investment in downtown revitalization efforts, according to the city, and $47.9 million was invested in 72 building rehabilitation projects. 

In 2021, Downtown Thomasville experienced a net growth of nine new or expanded businesses, creating 54 new jobs. Twenty-one building rehabilitation projects were completed resulting in an over $29 million investment. 

“Rehabilitation projects and new or expanded developments are what helps continue to transform our downtown and create job opportunities,” said Brandy Avery, Main Street manager for the City of Thomasville. 

Thomasville Main Street has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach. 

“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.” 

Thomasville Main Street’s performance is evaluated annually by the Georgia Main Street Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small- and locally-owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.