Benefits of Membership

Join Today

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.  Join today to enjoy membership benefits such as:

  • Networking
  • Advocacy & Legislative Monitoring
  • Annual Achievement Awards
  • Annual Georgia Downtown Conference
  • Downtown Professional Certification 

Networking 

Through the GDAs website, e-mail distribution system, and annual conference, members are easily and quickly connected to:

  • Experienced downtown managers/directors
  • Local government staff and community leaders
  • State and industry partners
  • Consultants
  • Vendors and other revitalization experts

By networking, GDA members can share their experience and expertise to address immediate challenges and guide long term planning in downtown development.

Advocacy & Legislative Monitoring

Through the GDAs newsletter, e-mail network and website, members remain informed about pending legislation that may impact downtown development. The GDA has developed partnerships within the state to effectively represent the interests of our members to the state legislature. In addition the GDA maintains active dialogue with state and industry partners to promote initiatives and programming that support downtown revitalization.

Annual Achievement Awards

The Georgia Downtown Association in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs annually recognizes outstanding efforts by cities, downtown organizations, downtown development professionals and volunteers that meet the ever-growing challenges of development and business district revitalization. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate and honor those whose efforts in developing programs, development initiatives and design and projects contribute to the success of their communities.

Annual Georgia Downtown Conference

Every year the Georgia Downtown Association works with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to host Georgia’s premier downtown development conference.  This conference offers educational sessions, networking opportunities, and mobile workshops with curriculum to promote continued success and innovation in Georgia’s downtowns. As part of your membership, discounted rates for the annual conference are included.

Downtown Professional Certification

GDA members are encouraged to participate in the Downtown Professional Certification program, which is exclusively administered by the association. This professional certification program has been developed to recognize the evolving skills, knowledge, competency and expertise of those employed in the field of downtown development.

The Georgia Downtown Association is a member driven association that strives to serve its membership by advocating, promoting and supporting Georgia downtowns to foster vibrant sustainable communities.  Active membership is open to any individual involved in or interested in downtown revitalization and we invite you to join today!