SYLVESTER, Ga. (WALB) - A wave of new jobs and development is heading to Worth County, with Sylvester at the center of a downtown revival. But city leaders say getting the community involved remains a major challenge.

Empty storefronts line parts of downtown Sylvester. But some businesses like Backwoods Trading, have moved in and are seeing signs of progress.

“I’ve got an empty store front right beside me; I got another one on the other side of us,” said Jonathan Pelham, owner of Backwoods Trading.

“The other spot is currently being renovated, and I hope to see something there soon. But for the most part, it’s grown a lot.”

“It’s got everything a hometown would want. Somethings are not here, but it’s growing and that’s what I like about it. Every year we get something new it seems like,” says Linda Hanson, a resident of Sylvester.

Pelham says has been in the downtown area since October 2024. He says over the past few months, he’s seen more businesses come in, but rarely do they have the people to support the businesses.

“I see a lot of people out and about, and they forget that we’re downtown. And I’d like to remind those people that we have families to support too and we’re here to support you with what you need also,” Pelham said.

Hanson lived in Worth County all of her life. She says over the years, she’s seen the county grow tremendously, allowing access to things needed.

“We don’t have to go out of town, and a lot of us can’t afford to go out of town. So why not shop hometown?” says Hanson.

Kayla Myers with the Chamber of Commerce says that throughout the county, they’ve noticed a huge increase in family businesses, like financial services, salons and antique stores.

“We have a gas station that’s coming soon to Warwick that we’re really excited about. We’re always looking forward to new entrepreneurs that are wanting to start something brand new and bring something new to the county,” said Myers.

“We had requests for shoe stores, donut shops, so anyone out there who to open that type of thing, that’s been the main request - and things for kids to do,” says Karen Singletary, Main Street manager.

Despite having almost 400 new chamber members and lots of new businesses coming to the downtown area, city leaders say the most challenging part about revitalizing a downtown area or a county as a whole is having community support.

“Unfortunately, it was difficult for us not having that much participation which falls back into that category. We do have quite a few businesses that are looking to hire and we’re hoping that people will show up,” Myers said.

The city is also investing in affordable housing, with new downtown apartments ranging from $900-$1,500 a month.

“I think everybody is hurting economically. Everything is just so expensive,” Pelham said.

Leaders hope that living closer to Main Street will mean more people shopping and staying locally.

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