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

Eatonton Christmas Parade

Eatonton Christmas Parade

Putnam County Courthouse
December 9 1 PM
Come to Downtown Eatonton for the annual Christmas Parade! You don't want to miss this annual tradition. https://www.facebook.com/events/1351777348903008
December 9th 1-1:30 PM
Hartwell Christmas Parade

Hartwell Christmas Parade

Downtown Hartwell
December 10 4 PM
Join the Hart County Chamber of Commerce for the annual Hartwell Christmas Parade. This year's theme is "A Hart County Christmas", a tribute to all that makes Hart County special. The parade will begin at 4 pm led by our local Bassmaster Junior National Champions and will start at HCHS following Franklin Street until reaching the Ace Hardware Shopping Center. For more information, contact Hart Chamber at 706-376-8590. Parade registration forms can be found online at hart-chamber.org.
Tybee Island Polar Plunge

Tybee Island Polar Plunge

Tybee Island, GA
January 1 10 AM
Come plunge into the ocean with us in our annual Polar Plunge event. Make sure to come dressed up for our costume contest, Gang of Goofs.

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