Athens Downtown Development Authority

1. Athens Downtown Development Authority
September 21, 2014

2. About us…
Formed by state legislation in 1977, the Athens Downtown Development Authority
administers the revitalization and redevelopment of the Central Business District. Acting as
a liaison between the Athens Clarke County Government and the Downtown Business
community, the Authority coordinates planning and implementation of public facilities as
well as assisting private investors and individual businesses.
The Athens Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors is a seven member
volunteer board appointed by the Athens-Clarke County Board of Commissioners that
governs the Downtown Development Authority.

3. Our Mission…
The ADDA Mission is to:
* create an economically sustainable, vibrant and viable downtown
* create an environment that attracts people and investments
* be an advocacy group for downtown constituents
* promote downtown to residents, businesses and visitors
FY14-15 PRIORITIES
1. Infrastructure - plan and advocate for improved public and private downtown utilities
2. Business Resources - research, communicate and utilize loans, grants and incentives
3. Economic Impact - measure and communicate the large impact of downtown activity
4. Promotion - wayfinding, aesthetics and cleanliness of downtown
5. Organization - internal review of policies, procedures and partnerships
6. Planning - Master Plan implementation strategy
Adopted October 2013

4. Downtown

5. Downtown…
Size 20 blocks
136 acres
3/4 mile east-west by ½ mile north-south
Population ~17,000 (1 miles radius)
2,800 student bedrooms (constructed & permitted)
Business 300+ businesses call Downtown Athens home
69 bars
59 retail & specialty shops
58 restaurants & cafes
6 churches
9 entertainment venues
8 major banks