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

Third Thursdays Coffee and Conversation

Third Thursdays Coffee and Conversation

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5455761378
November 21 10 AM
Join us over Zoom on the third Thursday of every month to connect with fellow managers, dialogue with Georgia Main Street staff and celebrate as we come together to share in our program’s successes. *Third Thursdays meet the Georgia Main Street training requirement and are equal to one (1) training hour.

Downtown Tree Lighting

North Main Street- Cornelia Ga
November 22 6 PM
Come celebrate the beginning of Christmas with friends and family.

Flowery Branch Christmas Wishes & Lantern Parade

Downtown Flowery Branch
November 22 6 PM
🎄✨ Join us for a magical evening at our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival! ✨🎄 Get ready to usher in the holiday season with joy and wonder as we illuminate the city with the warm glow of our magnificent Christmas tree. The festivities kick off with a delightful Holiday Lantern Parade, where twinkling lights and festive lanterns will fill the streets with enchantment. 🎅 Santa Claus is set to make a grand appearance, spreading cheer and receiving wish lists from the young and young at heart. Bring your cameras and capture those priceless moments with the jolly man in red! 🛍️ Explore the holiday spirit at our marketplace featuring 50+ vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. It's the perfect opportunity to find that special something for your loved ones or even yourself. 🍔 And of course, what's a festive celebration without delicious food? Indulge in a variety of flavors from our food trucks, serving up delectable treats that will satisfy every craving. Let's light up the city together and create lasting memories with family and friends. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this enchanting Christmas extravaganza! 🌟🎁

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