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Main Street, Technology & Entrepreneurship and DDA report progress on downtown projects and events
Summary
Three downtown boards reported on recent improvements and plans: Main Street highlighted Welcome Park and event metrics for state reporting; the Technology & Entrepreneurship board promoted Perry Startup Week and speaker series on AI and precision agriculture; the DDA discussed property visioning and alleyway lighting.
Council received quarterly updates from three downtown advisory bodies.
Main Street: Valerie Moore, Main Street Advisory Board chair, recounted Perry’s Main Street history and recent projects, including Welcome Park improvements and a new speaker system. Moore emphasized metrics the state requires—attendance, private investment, business openings/closures and property sales—and noted the organization’s events (Dogwood Festival, Drink & Dine promotions, wine tasting) and grant programs that support downtown businesses.
Technology & Entrepreneurship Advisory Board: Ms. Wharton and board members reported on Perry Startup Week, ongoing speaker series covering artificial intelligence and precision agriculture, and outreach linking workforce development to nearby Robins Air Force Base. The board also highlighted plans to engage entrepreneurs with trainings and speaker events.
Downtown Development Authority: DDA chair Curtis George described collaborative downtown projects (flower plantings at Welcome Park), participation in the Jernigan Street Small Area Plan, and short-term beautification projects such as alleyway lighting and a property-owner information booklet to encourage investment.
Council thanked the boards for engagement and asked about metrics and success measures; Main Street said they track attendance, investment dollars, business openings/closures and jobs as state reporting metrics.
Next steps: boards will continue planned events and report back as projects progress.
