Main Street and Economic Development Department

207 S. Duke Street

LaFayette, Georgia 30728

Phone:   (706) 639-1519

Fax:   (706) 638-7465

Director Catherine Edgemon

Bus manufacturer Blue Bird North Georgia operates a plant in LaFayette.

LaFayette officials stress the importance of economic development and downtown revitalization.  The city was designated as an official Main Street Community in 2007.  The program received national accreditation for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 by meeting National Trust for Historic Preservation standards in all areas of the Trust's 4 Points Approach:  Organization, Economic Restructuring, Promotion and Design. 

Main Street uses historic preservation as a tool for downtown revitalization.  Main Street activities include historic district research, designation and design standards; planning and hosting downtown events; educating the community about its history, historic resources and historic preservation; fundraising; recruiting, retaining and promoting downtown businesses; promoting downtown as a destination for shopping and dining; promoting tourism; promoting the arts through the Georgia Made Georgia Grown initiative; encouraging economic re-investment in downtown through building rehabilitations, restorations and compatible new construction; and coordinating activities with other groups.  

Recruiting and retaining business and industry usually determine a city's success.  The Main Street and Economic Development director markets the city to perspective industrial firms, as well as working with small businesses. 

General Electric division Roper Corp.

employees 1,600 at its plant and produces ranges.

The director works closely with existing industries to assist them with any expansion plans or problems they have regarding financing, training, land acquisition or building.  Industries in the city include Syntec, Unique Fabricating South, BlueBird North Georgia, Shaw Industries Inc. and Roper Corp., which manufactures ranges and is one of the largest employers in Walker County.  

The director also promotes tourism and preservation of historical resources.

The director works closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority and several other organizations.

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