Addie Ward, a fifth-grade student at Lake Oconee Academy and a resident of Greensboro, recently visited the Georgia State Capitol as a Youth Ambassador representing the Georgia Downtown Association.
During her visit, Addie joined downtown leaders and advocates from across the state at a legislative breakfast to discuss policies that support Georgia’s historic downtowns.
The event focused on advocacy for House Bill 376, legislation that would increase the Georgia Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. The program helps communities like Greensboro revitalize historic buildings, support small businesses, and preserve the character of Georgia’s traditional downtown districts.
The breakfast included members of the Georgia Downtown Association board along with representatives from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, all working together to encourage continued investment in historic communities throughout the state.
While visiting the Capitol, Addie had the opportunity to meet several Georgia leaders, including Sen. Stephen McNeely; Rep. Trey Rhodes, chairman of the House Fish, Game, and Parks Committee; Sen. Blake Tillery, chairman of the Georgia Senate Appropriations Committee; and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
For Addie, the visit was an opportunity to see firsthand how state government works and how local communities advocate for policies that strengthen downtowns across Georgia.