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

Silent Disco Celebration

Silent Disco Celebration

Hartwell Arts Center, 338 E Howell St, Hartwell, GA
January 17 7 PM
Join Hartwell Main Street as we celebrate being selected as a 2025 GEMS Downtown! As a Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS), we are one of just 19 towns in Georgia with that designation. To thank the community, its leaders and our Downtown merchants and volunters, we would like to invite you to a "Silent Disco" celebration on Friday, January 17th at the Hartwell Art Center, from 7-10. Feel free to drop in and enjoy food and drink, as well as dancing to our Silent Disco party. There is no fee to attend, however donations are always welcome! Wear your ruby, emerald and sapphire jewel tones to celebrate our GEMS downtown!
Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market

Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market

5210 Railroad Ave Flowery Branch, GA 30542
January 23 3 PM
Get ready for a bountiful harvest at our Farmers Market! Discover fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and delicious treats. Support our hardworking farmers and artisans while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere. Don't miss out on the flavors of the season! Winter Market is 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 3:30-6:30pm Located at the Pavilion.

Georgia Historic Theatres Expedition

Calhoun, Rome, Canton & Marietta
January 25 9 AM
The Georgia Trust and Fox Gives invite you on a self-guided tour to explore some of Northwest Georgia’s most historic theaters during our second co-hosted Historic Theaters Expedition on Saturday, January 25th. https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/historic-theaters-expedition/

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