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State rural‑zone tax credits available to Dawsonville downtown property owners, DDA told
Summary
Downtown Development Director Amanda Edmonson briefed the DDA on a new Georgia Rural Zone designation that provides stacked tax credits for building purchase, renovation and job creation; the designation took effect Jan. 1, 2025 and will run for five years.
The Downtown Development Authority received an informational briefing on a new Georgia Rural Zone designation that opened a package of state tax credits for qualifying downtown commercial projects.
Amanda Edmonson told board members the designation is aimed at revitalizing historic downtown commercial districts and that only parcels shown on the program map are eligible. She explained the credits can stack: owners may qualify for a purchase‑credit of up to 25% (up to $125,000) and an additional renovation credit (up to 35% of renovation costs), and a per‑job credit of about $2,000 per job per year for qualifying new or retained positions. Edmonson emphasized the program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and that the credits are distributed over multiple years so the agency can confirm jobs and renovation results prior to full awarding.
Edmonson said the designation took effect Jan. 1, 2025 and will remain in place for five years. She recommended that DDA leadership promote the program to downtown property owners and prospective investors and said the credit stacks can be used in conjunction with the DDA’s local grants and other incentive tools.
Board members asked about program promotion and staff said they would publicize the designation and coordinate with property owners and potential applicants to encourage use of the tax credits.
