GDA Advocacy Agenda

Purpose: The official purpose of the Georgia Downtown Legislative committee is to educate elected officials about the impact of downtown development and to keep the membership abreast of bills in the state legislature, laws, government requirements, and other issues that affect favorable downtown development.

2026 GDA Advocacy Points

STRENGTHEN GEORGIA'S HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX CREDIT (HRTC) PROGRAM

a. Increase $30 Million Cap to $60 Million for FY27, FY28, and FY29
b. Ensure stability of program regardless of income tax reform

The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) has identified the Georgia Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
(HRTC) program as a transformational rehabilitation incentive for historic properties, that promote economic development, encourage heritage tourism, and support the sustainability and vitality of historic downtowns. The continuation and increase of these credits is supported by GDA. Likewise, GDA supports alternative funding programs to fill any “gaps” created, if this program sunsets in 2029.

EXPAND GEORGIA MAIN STREET & DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

a. Increase state support for Main Street Technical Assistance & Training
b. Reestablishment of Design Studio- Partnership w/ UGA, SCAD, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) unwaveringly supports the Office of Downtown Development and Georgia Main Street program as the signature program for community development and revitalization in Georgia’s historic downtowns. Furthermore, GDA supports additional funding for the Office of Downtown Development for the reestablishment of the Design Studio, in partnership with the University System of Georgia.

PROMOTE DOWNTOWN HOUSING & SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH

a. Incentivize Upper-Story housing & Adaptive-Reuse Projects
b. Streamline permitting mixed-use and live-work spaces

The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) supports policies and programs aimed at addressing the National Housing shortage. Furthermore, the Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) prioritizes policies and programming that enhances the overall total number of housing units in close proximity to downtowns. These units bolster the overall health and economic viability of downtowns. Programs such as the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HRTC) program can be modified to support these activities.

REVITALIZING UNDERDEVELOPED RURAL AREAS LEGISLATION (RURAL ZONE)

a. Extend program application period beyond 2026
b. Extend program sunset beyond 2032

The R.U.R.A.L. Zone designation is an incentive program designed to stimulate investment, job creation, and economic development in the historic downtown area. General criteria for designation include communities with a population of less than 15,000; a core downtown area with structures older than 50 years; evidence of blight or disinvestment in the downtown area; implementation of a strategic plan in the downtown area; and a completed market analysis, which indicates gaps within the local business makeup.