The Georgia Cities Foundation will again explore the “Heart & Soul” of 10 Georgia cities primarily in east Georgia on a three day bus tour in April. The bus tour, April 13-15, 2011, will show state agency heads, business leaders, downtown developers and philanthropists ways in which cities are revitalizing and capitalizing on their downtowns.

Participants will learn about downtown programs in Conyers, Covington, Monroe, Athens, Watkinsville, Greensboro, Washington, Augusta, Madison and Thomson.

“The Foundation’s goal is to help cities through successful public-private partnerships,” said Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr. “And we will show 10 very good examples of cities that have been successful in creating wonderful downtowns and vibrant communities through such partnerships.”

The Foundation has held a bus tour every year since 2001 as part of an overall effort to educate and inform state leaders on the importance of successful downtown development and its role in supporting overall economic development efforts for regions and communities.

“The Foundation has a proven track record of downtown development,” said Starr. “We’ve raised nearly $25 million for a revolving loan pool to support downtown projects valued at more than $100 million.” In 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored the Georgia Cities Foundation with its Main Street Ally award.

Approximately 50 people will participate in the tour, with some joining the tour at particular stops along the way.