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

Latin Art Festival

5210 Railroad Ave, Flowery Branch, Ga 30542
May 10 6 PM
Live music and food trucks
ACT Spring Performances: Sherlock Holmes

ACT Spring Performances: Sherlock Holmes

Warrenton Cultural Center
May 10 7 PM
On a dare from her fellow street urchins, 14-year-old Wiggins tries to pickpocket a strange old man. Not only is Wiggins unsuccessful, but the old man, who is actually Sherlock Holmes in disguise, manages to take the gold ring that was in Wiggins’ pocket and leave behind a note directing her where to go to get it back. When Wiggins goes to 221B Baker Street to retrieve the ring, she is shocked to find out how much Holmes knows about her based on a quick observation. After Wiggins sees Holmes use the ring to solve a case, Wiggins proposes to work as his assistant. Intrigued by her potential, Holmes agrees to begin training Wiggins on a trial basis, so long as she helps Mrs. Hudson with the chores. Wiggins and Holmes must learn to trust each other as Wiggins and her group of street urchins help him solve two dangerous mysteries: The Red Headed League and The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. Friday, May 10th @ 7pm Saturday, May 11th @ 5pm Sunday, May 12th 3pm TICKETS: Adult: $10 Student: $5 Warrenton Cultural Center 226 South Gibson Street Warrenton, GA 30828
2024 Train Day

2024 Train Day

Historic Train Depot
May 11 6 AM
The City of Toccoa celebrates the history of rail in the community every May. City staff, commissioners, and volunteers will board the Amtrak in Toccoa and distribute promotional materials to guests on the way to the next stop in Gainesville. The day's events will also include rides on the "City Choo Choo", among other activities. The 2024 Train Day will occur on May 11th. Events will take place throughout the day. Questions? Contact Event Coordinator Misty Richardson at 706-282-3309.

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