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 - Outstanding Community Transformation/Downtown of the Year - City of Bainbridge
City of Bainbridge

Award of Excellence - Best Adaptive Reuse - The Jones Building
City of Canton

Award of Excellence - Best Public Improvement Project - Harmon Park Revitalization
City of Canton

Award of Excellence - Best Facade Rehabilitation - 122 East Fifth Street Rehabilitation
City of Tifton

Award of Excellence - Best Placemaking Project - African Americans and the Arts
City of Thomasville

Award of Excellence - Best Placemaking Project - The Monroe Town Green
City of Monroe

Award of Excellence - Outstanding Promotional Campaign - Lavonia’s Kindness Initiative
City of Lavonia

Award of Excellence - Creative New Event - Lawrenceville Boogie
City of Lawrenceville

Award of Excellence - Premier Special Event - CULTURA: Fiesta Latina
City of Lawrenceville

Award of Excellence - Premier Special Event - Father & Daughter Dance
City of Hahira

Award of Excellence - Best Creative Fundraising Effort- Tugalo Street Greenspace Engraved Brick Camp
City of Toccoa

Award of Excellence - Main Street Hero - Dr. Jeffrey Payne
City of Gainesville

Award of Excellence - Premier Partner - Thomasville Center for the Arts
City of Thomasville

Georgia's Downtowns Are Happening

Flowery Branch Movie Under The Stars

5603 Mitchell St, Flowery Branch, Ga 30542
October 18 6 PM
Snuggle up under the stars in downtown Flowery Branch for Movies Under the Stars, a magical outdoor cinematic experience! Bring your blankets or chairs and immerse yourself in the enchantment of open-air movie nights.
Black Bear Festival

Black Bear Festival

Chatsworth
October 19 9 AM
Celebrate living in the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains at the 18th Annual Black Bear Festival. Fall leaves are changing colors, breezes are cooler and so is the live music, food, arts/crafts and all things Murray County. Presented by the Murray County Chamber of Commerce.
HartOberFest & Depot Day Festival

HartOberFest & Depot Day Festival

Carolina St & Depot St, Hartwell, GA
October 19 10 AM
Join us for a weekend of double the fun at the HartOberFest & Depot Day Festival! Sponsored by the Pilot Club, Depot Day transforms Depot Street into a bustling hub of vendors, offering a variety of crafts, treats, and unique finds. Meanwhile, just a stone's throw away on Carolina Street, Southern Hart Brewing Company hosts HartOberFest, where you can groove to live music, savor delectable food, and sip on refreshing brews in the beer garden. What's even better? Depot Street and Carolina Street are conveniently connected, making it easy for you to explore both events seamlessly. So, come hungry, ready to shop, and eager to enjoy great tunes and great company!

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