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

Carols in the DTL

Carols in the DTL

Lawrenceville Arts Center - Crogan Plaza
December 4 6 PM
Celebrate the season as carolers from Jesus Power Assembly of God Church alongside other schools and churches fill Crogan Plaza and the square with festive songs. Crogan Plaza is the greenspace between the Lawrenceville Arts Center and Crogan Street

Christmas Party in the Plaza

1 Friendship Plaza, Cartersville
December 5 3 PM
Join us for the ultimate celebration as we kick off the Exchange Club's Annual Cartersville Christmas Parade! Enjoy our annual tree lighting countdown, free pictures with Santa, and free children's books from the Bartow County School System!
Hometown Christmas

Hometown Christmas

Court Square Blakely, GA
December 5 5 PM
Join the Blakely-Early County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, December 5, which will include Moonlight Madness sales, Santa Claus Photo Ops, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Vendors, and Christmas Parade.

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