History of the Downtown Development Authority

The idea of a Downtown Development Authority was developed by the City Council of Blairsville in the early 1980's and was reactivated in 2005. On January 4, 2005 an official resolution was drawn up to establish the DDA and to appoint board members.

Since forming the authority, the members have initiated a "Better Hometown" revitalization program and developed an organizational structure including establishing DDA board responsibilities and by-laws. Members have attended board training with instructor Paul Kreager of the University of Georgia and held meetings with key officials, downtown property owners and business people.

A town meeting was held in September 2005 to define revitalization priorities and to sign up volunteers. Priorities were grouped into four main areas including design, promotion, organization, and economic restructuring.

A revitalization work plan meeting was held on June 12, 2006. Notices were published in the North Georgia News inviting the public to participate. Approximately 40 people attended including local officials, civic leaders, revitalization committees, downtown property owners, and other community members. Representatives from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Fanning Institute of the University of Georgia facilitated the meeting. Priorities were updated and everyone present was given the opportunity to voice their opinions. Committees were formed to plan ways to implement targeted projects.