Would a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) help the economy of Ellijay?

Could it be a framework for programs that would help increase property values?
Those questions will be explored in an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at the North Georgia Community Center. Paul Kreager, a redevelopment consultant to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, will conduct the meeting. He will explain how a development authority can benefit property owners and businesses downtown and how that will benefit the whole community. He will also detail how an authority would operate.
Better Hometown Ellijay, sponsors of the meeting, has been studying development authority law and practice in Georgia. According to Better Hometown board chair Paige Green, “We believe a DDA would be a catalyst and offer a dynamic framework for improving the local economy and boosting community pride.” The program’s economic restructuring committee, led by co-chairs Greg Altman and Michael Grant, have studied the law, visited other authorities, and attended seminars to learn how similar communities have used authorities to improve downtown property values, attract new tenants for empty buildings, help businesses improve or expand, and create and hold jobs. Altman said an authority would also facilitate long-term visioning and planning to insure a stronger economy and protect our quality of life.
Monday’s program will also explore how a DDA would be an effective tool for city council, since it can make use of some financial opportunities cities are prohibited by state law from using. Council would appoint members of an authority.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information, contact Better Hometown manager Mona Lowe at 706.635.4711 ext.5 or [email protected].