Downtown Development Authority Training

Downtown Development Authority Training

Downtown development authorities (DDA) and their appointed boards are created to revitalize and redevelop the central business districts of cities in Georgia. DDA training provides local leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to ensure a healthy, vibrant downtown.

DDAs have a range of powers:

• developing and promoting downtowns
• making long-range plans or proposals for downtowns
• financing (by loan, grant, lease, borrow or otherwise) projects for the public good
• executing contracts and agreements
• purchasing, leasing and selling property
• issuing revenue bonds and notes

---

Training requirements for DDA board members

With the exception of a member who also serves on the city council, all DDA board members must take at least eight hours of training on downtown development and redevelopment programs within the first 12 months of their appointment to the DDA. 

Basic DDA Training

This introductory course is designed for those who serve on downtown development authorities, but it is open to all city officials. Course topics include:

• management of downtown as a valuable resource
• the role of the authority, board members and staff
• DDA laws
• day-to-day operations of a downtown development authority

Advanced DDA Training

This course is open to all city officials and is ideal for those serving on downtown development authorities. Basic DDA Training is a prerequisite for participating in this more advanced downtown development course. 

Participants will learn:

• the fundamentals of navigating Business Improvement Districts (BID), Community Improvement Districts (CID) and Tax Allocation Districts (TAD)
• the Redevelopment Powers Act
• Urban Redevelopment Law
• historic preservation tax credits
• how to maximize federal, state and local partnerships and incentives

We have partnered with the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation to offer one-day Downtown Development Authority (DDA) training sessions at locations throughout the state. Registration for these partner classes is through GMA. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government also provides on-site classes.