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 - 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 Farmers Market

Flowery Branch Farmers Market

5210 Railroad Ave Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May 22 3 PM
The Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce, handmade goods, and more! Enjoy live music under the pavilion while supporting our community vendors. Summer Market is every Thursday from 3:30-6:30 PM.
Beats on the Streets

Beats on the Streets

Downtown Lawrenceville
May 22 6 PM
Join us every Thursday from May 22 through July 31 for Beats on the Streets at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse lawn, where you can enjoy eclectic music, food, and good vibes with friends! Have you heard the beat on the street? We’re bringing back the popular Thursday night DJ series, Beats on the Streets, starting May 22, 2025! Savor sunset vibes and fresh beats from an eclectic mix of our favorite DJs! Grab food and drinks to-go and join us at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse lawn or simply enjoy the music as you dine al-fresco at one of many nearby restaurant patios! Gather your squad or come to make new friends as you taste the unique flavor of The DTL! Each Thursday will be a little different, so you won’t want to miss a beat! Join us every Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm from May 22 through July 31 for great music and more at Beats on the Streets! May 22 DJ Cozy Shawn Check out the next Beats on the Streets! May 29 - DJ Khaleesi June 5 - DJ Kidd Star June 12 - DJ Cam Christian June 26 - DJ Collin July 10 - DJ Cozy Shawn July 17 - DJ Kidd Star July 24 - DJ Collin July 31 - DJ Cam Christian Beats on the Streets will not take place on June 19 and July 3 due to the holiday.
Red, White, Bluegrass & Bach

Red, White, Bluegrass & Bach

Suwanee Town Center Park
May 23 7 PM
In collaboration with Everett’s Music Barn, join in the patriotic fun at the city’s annual Red, White, Bluegrass & Bach Memorial weekend concert! This annual Memorial Day event fills Suwanee Town Center with family fun, including food trucks, a musical salute to our troops and veterans, a performance by the Main Street Symphony Orchestra, and a regional act of bluegrass music! Weather permitting, a visit from Fort Moore's Silver Wings Exhibition Team may also "drop" in! Wear your red, white, and blue, and bring your blankets & lawn chairs to come and celebrate in Suwanee!

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