News
![In Appling County, the PROPEL program has helped the community jump-start economic development efforts through downtown revitalization](/_resources/images/news/2024/012624-appling-county.jpg)
We Know Georgia: Appling County reaps success with UGA Institute of Government help
A rural economic development program led by the University of Georgia Institute of Government has been nationally recognized and Appling County is a prime example of its ongoing impact.
![Members of the Elberton community view a presentation of designs by Sam Nash Riggs, a graduate student in the UGA College of Environment and Design, who worked with the city for 12 weeks on ideas and visual concepts to spur community development and growth.](/_resources/images/news/2023/120523-elberton.jpg)
We Know Georgia: University of Georgia supports Elberton's vision for future growth
The city of Elberton has a fresh vision for the future thanks to the creativity of a UGA student who spent the summer as a Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellow at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
![A rendering of Thomson's new park.](/_resources/images/news/2023/112923-thomson.png)
We Know Georgia: University of Georgia helps new park project come to life in Thomson
Downtown Thomson is getting a new park based on community engagement through the UGA Institute of Government’s Renaissance Strategic Visioning Program (RSVP).
![A picture of downtown Americus, Georgia](/_resources/images/news/2023/110323-downtown-certificate.jpg)
We Know Georgia: UGA Institute of Government offers new certificate program in downtown development
The University of Georgia Institute of Government has partnered with the Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) and Georgia Power to launch the Certified Downtown Professional Certificate Program. This new training series helps downtown professionals gain the skills and knowledge to boost community...
![Single-family housing in Midland reflects the demand for in-town living since the revitalization of Downtown Gainesville. Community leaders credit the Institute of Government’s Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) with guiding the city’s progress.](/_resources/images/news/2023/102423-gainesville.jpg)
We Know Georgia: Gainesville thrives with UGA Institute of Government assistance
It’s no secret that Gainesville, Georgia, is growing. With $318 million in private investment in downtown and the Midland area in just the last five years, the city is capitalizing on a unique strategic planning process developed by the University of Georgia Institute of Government.