A new era of economic opportunity is on the horizon for Warrenton. The city has officially been designated as a Rural Zone by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), unlocking a powerful set of tax incentives designed to fuel business growth, attract investors, and revitalize the city’s historic downtown core. The designation becomes active on January 1, 2025, and will remain in place for five years.
Warrenton located in Warren County, is a hidden gem, steeped in unique history and brimming with historic charm, is one of nine cities selected this year to join Georgia’s Rural Zone program, a partnership between the DCA and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The initiative targets small cities with historic commercial districts and economic distress, aiming to turn underused downtowns into thriving hubs of local commerce.
Tax Incentives Designed to Spark Investment
Warrenton businesses and property owners will now have access to three key state income tax credits:
- Jobs Tax Credit – Businesses creating at least two new full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs are eligible for a $2,000 credit per job, annually for up to five years.
- Investment Credit – Investors who purchase downtown property may claim 25% of the purchase price as a tax credit, up to $125,000.
- Rehabilitation Credit – Those restoring existing buildings can claim 30% of rehabilitation costs, with a cap of $150,000.
These credits can be combined, maximizing the financial benefit for qualifying projects and making downtown Warrenton a more attractive destination for developers and entrepreneurs.
City Leaders See Opportunity to Transform Downtown
Local officials are hopeful that the Rural Zone designation will be a turning point for Warrenton’s economy and quality of life.
“This program offers exactly what we need to breathe new life into our downtown,” said a Warrenton city spokesperson. “We’re focused on eliminating blight, encouraging small business growth, and making our city center a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. These incentives provide the foundation for that transformation.”
Meeting the Criteria—and Rising to the Challenge
To qualify as a Rural Zone, cities must have fewer than 15,000 residents, a core of commercial buildings at least 50 years old, and indicators of economic need, such as high poverty levels or significant vacancy rates. Warrenton checked all the boxes and is now poised to leverage the designation for sustainable economic development.
City officials have emphasized that this initiative is not only about attracting outside investment but also about supporting local entrepreneurs who have long wanted to grow their businesses but lacked the resources to do so.
Looking Ahead
The Rural Zone designation is more than a label—it’s a commitment by the state and local leaders to work collaboratively to reinvigorate downtown Warrenton and preserve its historic charm.
“With strategic use of these incentives, we believe this program can help us write a new chapter in Warrenton’s economic story,” said the city spokesperson. “We’re open for business and ready for growth.”