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Georgia Downtown Association
The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) is a non-profit association that promotes the economic redevelopment of Georgia's traditional downtowns. Through advocacy, education and marketing, GDA works to focus the public's attention on the value of downtown. GDA is an independent association that supports both public and private sector efforts targeted at enhancing Georgia's downtowns.
GDA has a number of programs that are designed to increase the opportunities for and multiply the talents of its members. Membership in the Georgia Downtown Association includes cities, downtown development authorities, businesses, professionals and others individuals interested in downtown. The Georgia Downtown Association also annually sponsors the Georgia Downtown Conference in partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Georgia Cities Foundation / Georgia Municipal Association
The Georgia Cities Foundation is a non-profit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association. The goal of the Foundation is to promote economically sustainable projects and build public and private partnerships in order to help ensure the long-term health and economic vitality of the Georgia's downtown areas. This is accomplished through the infusion of capital via a revolving loan application. The Foundation welcomes applications from cities in Georgia, in conjunction with their downtown development authority, who are requesting financial assistance in their efforts to revitalize and enhance their downtown areas.
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works to promote an appreciation of the state's diverse historic resources and provide for their protection and use to preserve, enhance and revitalize Georgia's communities.
The Trust has been a partner in the Main Street program since the program began in 1980 with five cities and continues to provide preservation assistance to the current 100-plus Main Street and Better Hometown cities.
The University of Georgia
College of Environment & Design
The College of Environment & Design promotes innovative planning, preservation, protection, restoration and responsible development of Georgia's natural and cultural resources. Much of the College's assistance to downtowns flows through its Center for Community Design and Preservation.
The University of Georgia
Fanning Institute
Faculty and staff at the Fanning Institute provide assistance with community development, economic development, and leadership development. Recognizing the interdependence of these areas, the Institute customizes its services to meet the particular needs of individual communities.The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
The SBDC provides business consulting and continuing education opportunities to Georgia’s entrepreneurs. Assistance includes how to start a business, how to write a business plan, how to apply for a loan or seek out other financial resources, how to market their products and services, and how to plan for succession of the business.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources/
Historic Preservation Division
Georgia's state historic preservation office provides a wide range of services that help communities protect their historic character. Among these are rehabilitation grants, the state property tax freeze on historic rehabs, and the federal historic rehab tax credit. The office also assists with compliance requirements established through the National Historic Preservation Act and other federal legislation, archaeology protection, and the National Register of Historic Places.
Georgia Department of Transportation
GDOT is an important source of funding for downtown transportation-related projects. Since 1991, its Transportation Enhancement program has provided millions of dollars for sidewalk and streetscape improvements, historic rail depot rehabs, bike trails, and other projects that enhance the movement of people downtown.
More Resources for Downtowns
National Trust for Historic Preservation / Main Street Center
www.preservationnation.org/main-street/
Georgia Department of Economic Development
www.georgia.org
Georgia Municipal Association
www.gmanet.com
Georgia Electric Membership Corporation
www.ga-sites.com
Georgia Power Company
www.georgiapower.com
Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia
www.meagpower.org
Community Developers Forum
Contact: Bobby Stevens, 404-679-4943
