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 Moultrie
City of Moultrie

Award of Excellence - Best Adaptive Reuse - The Mill on Etowah
City of Canton

Award of Excellence - Best Adaptive Reuse - Hotel Forty Five
City of Macon

Award of Excellence - Best Public Improvement Project - Level Grove Sidewalk Project
City of Cornelia

Award of Excellence - Best Facade Rehabilitation - The Roe
City of Monroe

Award of Excellence - Best Placemaking Project - Flaunt 2022: Let's Play!
City of Thomasville

Award of Excellence - Outstanding Promotional Campaign - Suwanee Annual Report
City of Suwanee

Award of Excellence - Creative New Event - Atlanta International Night Market - Glow in the Park
City of Suwanee

Award of Excellence - Premier Special Event - Lights! Lights! Thanksgiving Night!
City of Moultrie

Award of Excellence - Premier Special Event - The Honeybee Festival
City of LaFayette

Award of Excellence - Best Creative Fundraising Effort- Downtown Dog Stations
City of Rome

Award of Excellence - Main Street Hero - Peggy Vickery
City of Hartwell

Award of Excellence - Premier Partner - Area Children's Theatre
Hometown Warrenton

Georgia's Downtowns Are Happening

Friday Nights on the Lawn

Friday Nights on the Lawn

Downtown Locust Grove
June 2 6 PM
Friday Nights this summer are back! Bring your family and lawn chairs to Claude Gray Park and enjoy live music from amazing Georgia artists, great food trucks, and games the first Friday of June, July, and August from 6pm-9pm. Free event! 99 Frances Ward Dr. Locust Grove, GA. Call 770-957-5043 for more information.
Fayetteville Bicentennial Celebration

Fayetteville Bicentennial Celebration

Fayetteville: Courthouse Square + City Center Park
June 3 4 PM
"Tales with Ales" Historical Walking Tour: 2-5pm Makers Market at the Square: 4-8pm Main Stage and Fireworks at City Center Park: 5-940pm Encore After Dark at the Historical Cemetery: 9:40pm

Ida Cox Music Series

Toccoa, GA
June 3 7 PM
Named after the legendary "Uncrowned Queen of Blues" and Toccoan native, the Ida Cox Music Series celebrates the best that Toccoa has to offer: A love of music, a celebration of diversity, and a whole lot of talent. Each Saturday features a different artist, beer, wine, and food served on the street, and much more. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair!

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