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

2024 Spring Regional Meetup

2024 Spring Regional Meetup

Valdosta
April 30 10 AM
Gathering to provide opportunity for networking, highlighting local projects and encourage fresh ideas for communities.
Hinesville Farmers & Makers Market: National Day of Prayer

Hinesville Farmers & Makers Market: National Day of Prayer

Bradwell Park, Hinesville, GA
May 2 3 PM
We invite you to join us as we celebrate the National Day of Prayer during the Farmers Market. Bishop Kevin L. Betton, President of the United Ministerial Alliance of Liberty County, will be leading us in prayer. We will have local artisans and food.
14th Annual Swamptown Getdown

14th Annual Swamptown Getdown

Okefenokee Fairgrounds. Waycross GA
May 2 3 PM
Swamptown Getdown, held annually in Waycross GA, is a celebration of music from all over the Southeast US. With Country, Indie Rock, Americana, Jam, Bluegrass and points in between, STGD is sure to have something for everyone! Food and Craft Vendors welcome! Onsite RV Camping available and must be purchased separately. Tent Camping free with General Admission ticket purchase. RAIN OR SHINE!

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