Seven Georgia cities—Alma, Barnesville, Blairsville, Elberton, Folkston, Grantville, and Summerville—will be designated as the state’s newest Rural Zones starting January 1, 2026. The designation will provide these communities with a range of incentives aimed at supporting local commerce through December 31, 2030.
The Rural Zone program is a joint effort between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Economic Development. Launched in 2017, the initiative offers tax credits to individuals who create jobs or make qualifying investments within historic downtown areas during their five-year designation period.
Communities with Rural Zone status can access three types of state income tax incentives. Job Tax Credits provide $2,000 per year for each new full-time job for up to five years. Investment Credits cover 25 percent of the purchase price of property within the zone, capped at $125,000. Rehabilitation Credits amount to 30 percent of qualified rehabilitation costs for buildings in the zone, up to $150,000.
“Each community is encouraged to develop strategies and share information about the benefits of designation to businesses and investors,” according to officials.
For additional details on Rural Zones and annual applications, interested parties are directed to visit dca.georgia.gov.
The DCA works with communities across Georgia to support neighborhood development and economic growth. The agency also provides resources for affordable housing solutions and helps qualified residents with home buying and foreclosure prevention.