GDA IS A NON-PROFIT STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT CONNECTS COMMUNITIES AND PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE COMMITTED TO DOWNTOWN VITALITY.

GDA Mission
Connect communities and equip professionals through training and networking to strengthen and advocate for Georgia’s downtowns.

GDA Vision
A statewide network of thriving downtowns and equipped professionals that are recognized as Georgia’s most valuable economic engine

We provide accredited training programs for downtown development professionals, advocate for Georgia's downtowns, and educate private and public sectors on the economic benefits of a thriving downtown. GDA also hosts the annual Georgia Downtown Conference to offer top notch educational training and networking opportunities.

Benefits of Membership

If you are working to foster downtown revitalization or working within the field of downtown development, Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) membership provides you with access to the information and expertise you need to promote successful downtown revitalization efforts.

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GDA Award Winners


Award of Excellence - Premier Special Event - Downtown Perry Wine Tasting
City of Perry

Award of Excellence - Outstanding Promotional Campaign - Treat Yourself in Thomasville
City of Thomasville

Award of Excellence - Premier Partner - Fox Theatre Institute
City of Americus

Award of Excellence - Outstanding Community Transformation/Downtown of the Year - City of Hartwell
City of Hartwell

Award of Excellence - Outstanding Community Transformation/Downtown of the Year-City of Thomasville
City of Thomasville

Award of Excellence - Main Street Hero - Connie Tabor
City of Toccoa

Award of Excellence - Creative New Event - The Ultimate Participation Trophy
City of Suwanee

Award of Excellence - Best Public Improvement Project - Better Buford Highway Project
City of Suwanee

Award of Excellence - Best Placemaking Project - The Chappell Street Community Space
City of Griffin

Award of Excellence - Best Facade Rehabilitation - JEC Development
City of Monroe

Award of Excellence - Best Creative Fundraising Effort- Tybee Island Polar Plunge
City of Tybee Island

Award of Excellence - Main Street Hero - Helene Jones
City of Dallas

Award of Excellence - Best Adaptive Reuse - Shelley Hall
City of Calhoun

Georgia's Downtowns Are Happening

Hinesville Farmers & Makers Market

Bradwell Park, Hinesville, GA
April 18 3 PM
We invite you to come out and HIGH FIVE our vendors for their unique items and delicious food on National High Five Day!
Thomaston Art & Soul Festival

Thomaston Art & Soul Festival

Thomaston, GA
April 18 4 PM
The Thomaston Art & Soul Festival is a two-day festival held the third weekend of April. This upcoming year's festivities will be the third annual event. Each year has grown and offered greater opportunities to expose the youth and community members of our region to the hidden artisans and craftsmen that live amongst us. This years events will commence on Thursday April 18th, with a Junk Love Market at Lazy J Mercantile, that will feature vendors, food trucks, and live music. On Friday, April 19th, Downtown Thomaston will be filled with Food Trucks for a "Food Truck Friday" event. Additionally, a Sip n Stroll will occur within the Downtown Thomaston Entertainment District, accompanied by Live "Soul" Music on the square. The Thomaston Art & Soul Committee will partner with the Ritz Theater, Upson-Lee High School, and Southern Crescent Technical College's GA Film Academy to provide the 2nd Annual Mini Film Competition for area students. Finally, on Saturday April 20th, vendors, food trucks, live performances, live demos, and much more will be held at Greatest Generation Park. 2023's festivities featured 50+ Vendors and Food Trucks, along with a Chalk Art Competition, Plein Air Competition, Pottery Olympics, and live demo areas of woodworking, candle/soap making, painting, etc. Additional ideas being floated for the next event include the additions of a Photography Competition, Spoken Word Contest, and Color Run at Lakeside Park. As part of the Art & Soul Festival, local students are also invited to submit applications to paint fire hydrants within the Downtown District. A total of 130 Fire Hydrants have been painted by local artists since 2021.
Downtown Live Statesboro

Downtown Live Statesboro

East Main Street
April 18 7 PM
City of Statesboro Concert Series. Eight different musical acts over the course of 6 months! Starting in mid-April, the series will run through September, showcasing a variety of musical talents.

GDA News

Downtown Edge Scholarship

GDA pays tribute to our late friend and colleague Adam Edge by announcing the Downtown Edge Scholarship

Main Street Georgia - Heartbeat Video

Video provided by our friends at the Office of Downtown Development