Authorities & Commissions

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority is a body of seven members created and appointed by the City council and recognized by the State of Georgia as a public entity with a specified set of powers and a specific purpose or mission to:

Revitalize and redevelop the downtown business district of Douglasville
Develop and promote for the public good and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities and promote the general welfare of the city and state by creating a climate favorable to the location of new industry, trade and commerce within the downtown area
Finance projects within the downtown business district that will develop and promote the public good and general welfare.

Meeting Dates:

The Downtown Development Authority meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Noon. Meetings are open to the public and you may fill out this form if you wish to speak at the meeting.

If you'd like to let us know you are interested in volunteering for this committee, please fill out this form.

Minimum Qualifications:

Own or operate a business in the downtown Douglasville area
City of Douglasville resident

For more information about the Downtown Development Authority, contact William Smith, Economic Development Manager, at 678-449-3186 or wsmith@douglasvillega.gov.

Board Members

Post 1 - D.A. Wilson, Chair
Post 2 - Collette Jackson, Treasurer/Secretary
Post 3 - Glennis L. Tillman
Post 4 - Carol Burton
Post 5 - Scott Camp
Post 6 - Craig Bell
Post 7 - Nycole Miller, City Council Liaison

Public Arts Commission

Art in public places provides meaning to public spaces, reflects the history of a city, adds uniqueness to neighborhoods, and humanizes the built environment. Public art lives at the intersection between our past, present, and future, and also has the power to transform a city because public spaces gain social, economic, and cultural value through public art.

The Douglasville Public Art Commission, as a decision-making body within the Douglasville city government. The Commission will be responsible for interpreting and reviewing proposed public art projects based on the criteria identified in the policies and procedures of the program, and making recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. This policy establishes the selection process, purchasing limits, and approval processes with the Mayor and City Council.

Meeting Dates:

The Douglasville Public Arts Commission meets the last Wednesday of every other month at 6 PM in City Hall Conference Room A unless alternate dates are needed. 2024 Public Arts Commission Meeting Schedule(PDF, 139KB)

Board Members:

Scott Camp
Emily Lightner
Howard Estes
Monique Carruthers

Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA)

The Urban Redevelopment Authority in Douglasville, Georgia, is a vital entity comprised of five members, established and appointed by the City Council. This authority holds official recognition from the State of Georgia as a public entity endowed with specific redevelopment powers.

Tasked with the responsibility of revitalizing and enhancing urban areas within the city, the Urban Redevelopment Authority plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth, promoting economic development, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.

With its dedicated members and state-acknowledged status, the authority serves as a driving force in steering the city's urban development initiatives and contributing to the prosperity of Douglasville.

Meeting Dates:

The Redevelopment Authority meets on the second Wednesday of every quarter at 9AM. 2024 Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) Schedule(PDF, 80KB)

Meetings are open to the public.

If you'd like to let us know you are interested in volunteering for this committee, please fill out this form.

Board Members:

1. Barbara Caldwell
2. Carol Burton
3. D.A. Wilson
4. Phillip Sisk
5. Denise Overfield
6. Sam Davis

Facade Grant Program

The City of Douglasville Downtown Development Authority Facade Grant Program(PDF, 309KB)'s purpose is to assist merchants and property owners through a matching assistance program to facilitate renovations that are consistent with the Historic Preservation “Design Standards” criteria in the historic commercial district.

Current property and business owners in the historic commercial district are eligible to apply for a facade grant(PDF, 309KB) under this program.

The objective of the program is to rehabilitate downtown building exteriors that are visible to the public including painting, awnings, glass replacement, signage, and other improvements of historical significance such as landscaping and historic feature restoration (normal maintenance and upkeep excluded.)

Funding is administered through the Downtown Development Authority (DDA.) The grant funds up to 50% of the total project cost, not to exceed $10,000. The DDA reserves the right to restrict the amount of funds given during the application period.

Because limited funds are available, the DDA cannot grant funds to the same façade more than one time in one fiscal year. The DDA reserves the right to restrict the number of assistance recipients based on the available funds for that year. The DDA may reject any application it deems necessary for any reason.

The Review Board consists of the Main Street Design Committee, then the Douglasville Downtown Development Authority.

The Douglas County Chamber provides support to downtown businesses that need assistance completing the application. Additional assistance is available through the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. A nominal fee will be charged for services provided through the Georgia Trust.

For more information contact the Economic Development Office at 678-449-3186 or doingbusiness@douglasvillega.gov.

*Special Project: A periodic opportunity for the DDA to assist in the improvement of a building store front on Veterans Memorial Highway, Church Street, or Strickland Avenue.