The Georgia Municipal Association

THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION Georgia’s Cities are Where People and Businesses Thrive By Amy Henderson I n the early part of the 20th century, Downtown Braselton was the place to be. The downtown Braselton Brothers Department Store offered dry goods, shoes, clothing, housewares, toys, and, even, produce. Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Downtown Development Manager Stephanie Aylworth said at the time of Downtown Braselton’s heyday, downtowns across Georgia and the country were thriving. “Downtowns weren’t just the heart of a community; they made up the entire city or town,” she said. “Downtowns were walkable, livable and social, and the center of a community’s economy.