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.

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
March 21 3 PM
Bring your puppy out to Market to celebrate National Puppy Day! We will have delicious food and 100% Georgia homemade goods!
Mutts on Main

Mutts on Main

Gainesville, Georgia
March 23 10 AM
Join us on Saturday, March 23, 2024 for Mutts on Main, where downtown goes to the dogs! This pet expo highlights adoptions and fostering at the Hall County Animal Shelter. Bring your pup pals downtown for a tail-waggin’ good time! Pet-related vendors/artisans, sidewalk sales at local stores, and Pet Adoptions with the Hall County Animal Shelter open throughout the event! Live music, disc dog shows and demonstrations- canine fun for the whole family!

Butterfly Lantern Parade

Jess Lucas Park
March 23 5 PM
Everyone is invited to make a butterfly lantern and march in the parade! Ring in spring in style with Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons & the Seed & Feed Marching Abominables! Parade attire is Floral Galore. The Butterfly Lantern Parade is a Main Street Hapeville project with artist Chantelle Rytter, creator and founder of the Beltline Lantern Parade. The event begins 5pm and will include a pop-up art market, food and beverage vendors, creation station for crafts, and live music. The parade kicks off from Jess Lucas at 8:10pm!

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