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Downtown Development Authorities

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Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) and their appointed boards are created to revitalize and redevelop the central business districts of cities in Georgia. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) training provides local leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to ensure a healthy, vibrant downtown.

 

DDAs have a range of powers:

  • developing and promoting downtowns

  • making long-range plans or proposals for downtowns

  • financing (by loan, grant, lease, borrow or otherwise) projects for the public good

  • executing contracts and agreements

  • purchasing, leasing and selling property

  • issuing revenue bonds and notes

 

What are the training requirements for DDA board members?

With the exception of a member who also serves on the city council, all Downtown Development Authority board members must take at least 8 hours of training on downtown development and redevelopment programs within the first 12 months of their appointment to the Downtown Development Authority. 

 

Basic DDA Training

This introductory course is designed for those who serve on downtown development authorities, but it is open to all city officials. Course topics include

  • management of downtown as a valuable resource

  • the role of the authority, board members and staff

  • DDA laws

  • day-to-day operations of a downtown development authority

 

Advanced DDA Training

Basic DDA Training is a prerequisite for participating in this more advanced downtown development course. This course is ideal for those serving on downtown development authorities. Like Basic DDA Training, it is open to all city officials.

 

Participants will learn

  • the fundamentals of navigating Business Improvement Districts (BID), Community Improvement Districts (CID) and Tax Allocation Districts (TAD)

  • the Redevelopment Powers Act

  • Urban Redevelopment Law

  • historic preservation tax credits

  • how to maximize federal, state and local partnerships and incentives

 

We have partnered with the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation to offer one-day Downtown Development Authority (DDA) training sessions at locations throughout the state. Registration for these partner classes is through GMA. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government also provides on-site classes.

 

Testimonials:


"The CVIOG DDA training taught me how to begin to bridge the gap between the public and private sector and how to make the DDA work for this community."

Darien McCray, member, City of Metter Downtown Development Authority


"The information in this training is useful in my role as a DDA board member: funding opportunities for downtown development; open meetings law; and historic preservation tools. Create the product and you will create the market."

Elaine Burge, member, Sandersville Downtown Development Authority


 

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