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

Southern Circuit Film Series

Southern Circuit Film Series

Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park: 680 South Central Ave Hapeville, GA 30354
October 23 7 PM
The City of Hapeville will be hosting the film "LIFT" for the 2024 fall series and admission is free for all. A reception will take place at 6pm with complimentary food, beverages and live music. The film screening will start at 7pm and will conclude with a Q&A portion where the directors/producers can answer audience questions. For further information, please visit the Southern Circuit Website for ongoing screening and updates.
Winter Market ft Trunk or Treat

Winter Market ft Trunk or Treat

5210 Railroad Ave, Flowery Branch, Ga 30542
October 24 3 PM
🎃🚗 Trunk or Treat Extravaganza on Thursday, October 24th! 🚗🎃 Get ready for a spooktacular event that combines the joys of Halloween with the charm of a local winter market and the vibrant shopping scene on Main Street. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, because this is a day you won't want to miss!
Pumpkins on the Square

Pumpkins on the Square

Court Square Blakely, GA
October 24 5 PM
Blakely Hometown and the Blakely-Early County Chamber of Commerce, along with Downtown Blakely, invite you to join them on Thursday, October 24. Small businesses will be offering sales and discounts during the event. Free & open to the public.

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