Award-winning UGA Institute of Government
program supports historic downtowns
Bainbridge serves as example of community impact
Over the last decade, Bainbridge, Georgia, has undergone a transformation in its downtown, thanks in part to a partnership with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
Now, UGA is being recognized nationally for its impact on communities like Bainbridge, winning the 2025 Innovation & Economic Prosperity Award in the “Place” category by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). The award honors exemplary and innovative case studies of economic engagement impact, especially initiatives that promote social, cultural and community development.
Two Institute of Government programs – Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning (RSVP) and Community Branding – were selected for the award, along with the Archway Partnership, cited for its impact in Hartwell.
Together, these UGA initiatives reflect more than a decade of strategic, community-centered work that has transformed towns, empowered local leaders, and generated hundreds of millions in public and private investment.
“Public Service and Outreach is the bridge between the university and the communities we serve,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for public service and outreach. “This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact we can achieve when we listen to communities and work alongside them to build solutions that support each community’s unique identity that makes them a special place.”
Masterful Planning
Launched in 2013, the RSVP program helps Georgia communities revitalize their downtowns through public engagement, design-based planning and implementation support. To date, 25 communities across the state have completed plans through the program, resulting in more than $500 million in combined public and private investment.
Bainbridge is a living example ...
Read more in our Beautifying Bainbridge digital feature.
