The area, termed the "Downtown Development District (DDD)", is bounded by the Historic District on the north, Langford Road on the east, Jimmy Carter Blvd. on the south and a line approximately 600 feet on the east side of Buford Highway. A map showing the boundary is shown on the DDA homepage. The dotted area on this map is under condieration for expanding the DDD in the future.
A Downtown Development Authority is a body recognized by the State of Georgia as a public corporation with a specified set of powers and a specific purpose or mission to:
1. Revitalize and redevelop the central business district of the municipal corporation (city);
2. Develop and promote for the public good and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities and promote the general welfare of this state by creating a climate favorable to the location of new industry, trade and commerce and the development of existing industry, trade and commerce within the municipal corporations of this state;
3. Finance projects within the central business districts that will develop and promote the public good and general welfare;
4. Issue bonds to finance projects, which will promote the foregoing objectives in accordance with Chapter 42, Section 36-42-1 of the Georgia Code.
The DDA is a quasi-governmental organization created for the expressed legislative purpose of revitalizing and redeveloping the central business districts of Cities within the State by financing projects to promote trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities. It is created by the City Council under the authority of State law. Board members are appointed by the City Council, and serve four year terms.
The "Projects" section of this web site contains some overview information and presentations from Stephen Fuller that have been shown at public meetings in 2007. Further details can be found in the DDA board meeting minutes starting in Janauary 2010.
Yes, the DDA has an established Downtown Merchants Incentive Loan Program, which is facilitated by the Economic Development committee. Further information on this program can be found in the "Projects in Progress" section of this web site.
You can learn about DDA activities that interest you by attending a Board or Committee Meeting (Schedule shown under Meetings and Agendas) You can apply for a Board position by filling out an application which can be found under the City Clerk tab.