Purpose and Governance of the Griffin DDA
A comprehensive guide on DDA legal authority, board governance, statutory liability shielding, and commercial tax digest growth.
DDA 101
A practical guide for elected officials, board appointees, and the public on City of Grifin Downtown Development Authority (DDA) concepts, financing tools, policy strategy, and economic development fundamentals.
This series is designed for elected officials, board members, and citizens in Griffin, GA who want to understand how their Downtown Development Authority works, how it's funded, and why downtown development matters. However, virtually every concept is applicable to all Georgia municipalities and DDAs and it may serve as a useful educational tool for other cities across the state.
Start with the first chapter and work through at your own pace. Each article stands alone but builds on previous concepts.
DDA Powers Versus Urban Redevelopment Agency Powers
An explanation of the legal distinctions, operational boundaries, and statutory powers separating standard Downtown Development Authorities from Urban Redevelopment Agencies. Includes an examination of Griffin's joint DDA/URA setup and its impact on local economic development.
Core Concepts of Downtown Redevelopment
An explanation of what is adaptive reuse, high-density mixed use, and highest and best use in downtown revitalization projects and what the DDA and Economic Development mean when we use these terms.
What is Property Productivity Per Acre, anyway?
An explanation of property productivity per acre, tax yield per acre, and why high-density mixed-use downtown development outperforms low-density sprawl. This is a crucial concept to understand why a vibrant, high density downtown is important for every taxpayer in the city.
Political Insulation and Financial Separation for Commissioners
How independent DDA authority and tax increment financing protect Griffin city commissioners and the General Fund from political fallout and fiscal exposure.
Local Incentive Programs and Grant Administration
A guide to local Griffin DDA performance based grants, capital thresholds, and reimbursement rules.
Financing Mechanisms, Bonds, and Loan Programs
More than you probably wanted to know about tax allocation districts, local revolving loan funds, state economic development loans, and revenue bonding structures. This one is heavy, you might want to grab a snack.
Public-Private Partnerships and Developer RFQ Process
A crash course for the public and elected officials on property disposition, developer request for qualifications rubrics, historic preservation, and how it all comes together to make a successful downtown development project.
The Difference Between Main Street, HPC, and the DDA
Citizens, commissioners, and city employees often confuse the purpose of the Main Street program, Historic Preservation Commission, and Downtown Development Authority. This guide attempts to clarify the mission and role of all three organizations.
What is the point of being a Main Street community?
An explanation of the Main Street framework, its technical assistance network, and the economic return communities gain from participating in the program.
Turning City Master Plans Into Physical Projects
How the DDA translates comprehensive plans and urban redevelopment studies into physical development.
Measuring Economic Impact and Accountability in Downtown Development
Tracking return on investment, commercial tax digest growth, private capital leverage, and statutory annual DDA reporting. This one is not a fun read, but it's important.
Intergovernmental Agreements and City Operations
Information on structuring intergovernmental agreements, operational coordination, and shared municipal resources for downtown revitalization.
Strategic Business Recruitment, Tenant Mix, and Retail Retention
A guide to active business recruitment, ground-floor retail synergy, and supporting local downtown merchants.
Ethics, Conflicts of Interest, and Board Governance Best Practices
An in-depth guide for Griffin city commissioners and DDA board members on statutory conflict of interest rules, fiduciary duties, mandatory meeting recusals, and ethical governance.