The City of Perry assisted local businesses obtain nearly one million dollars in business tax credits under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Rural Zone program.

The Rural Zone program offers tax credits to eligible businesses for job creation, investment, and building rehabilitation.

Since 2018, Perry is one of the state’s most successful Rural Zone communities by creating 100 new jobs and reducing the downtown vacancy rate from 30% to 5%.

Ashley Hardin, City of Perry Economic Development Administrator, commented, “nearly one million dollars in total tax credits were captured in Perry since the DCA awarded this designation. Educating our businesses about the certification process is instrumental in implementing a successful Rural Zone program.”

Morning by Morning Coffee Company, Schultze’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop, and Morris Bank were certified for the Rural Zone tax credits in 2020. Another seven businesses are expected to qualify this year.

Cherie Bennett, Economic Development Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, said, “Mrs. Hardin has been effective in promoting the program to existing and potential businesses in downtown Perry. She is also willing to share her experience and strategies with other newly designated Rural Zone communities around the state.”

Perry is one of 35 Rural Zone communities in Georgia. Learn more about the program.