The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is comprised of seven members. Three members must be city residents, and four members must have a specific economic interest in the downtown area as business owners or operators. The members are appointed by the Board of Mayor and Commissioners and each serves four-year terms.

Overview 

The Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created in 2001 by local legislation enacted by the Georgia General Assembly. 

Vision Statement

The City of Avondale Estates is a vibrant, growing community with a small-town feel, which is inclusive of all residents, supports new and established businesses, and encourages quality and sustainable development. The downtown will follow the holistic city plan first designed by George Willis with integrated transportation, passive and active recreation opportunities, extensive landscaping, and exceptional architecture maintaining the city’s unique sense of place.

Downtown Avondale Estates will be a unique pedestrian-oriented town center. New development will preserve and celebrate the city’s arts and cultural heritage and provide housing and destinations for shopping and services, all within an environment of tree-lined streets, pocket parks, and plazas. A network of streets with wide sidewalks and bike facilities will provide safe connectivity throughout downtown and link it to MARTA and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mission Statement

The DDA/Main Street mission is to encourage redevelopment activities and provide assistance to private and public partners for the purpose of improving the downtown area. 

Duties

The DDA is empowered under state law to:

• Borrow money
• Enter into contracts
• Provide loans
• Purchase property
• Receive grants and gifts
• Sell revenue bonds

Main Street America Board 

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 
 
Main Street America is a mark of distinction. It is a seal, recognizing that participating programs, organizations, and communities are part of a national movement with a proven track record for celebrating community character, preserving local history, and generating impressive economic returns. Since 1980, over 2,000 communities have been part of the Main Street program, bringing renewed energy and activity to America’s downtowns and commercial districts, securing $61 billion in new investment creating more than 525,000 net new jobs and rehabilitating 251,000 buildings. 
 
Main Street America Documents

• 2017 DDA/Main Street Board Mission and Vision
• 2018-2019 Work Plan

Business Incentives

Downtown Revolving Loan 

Georgia Cities Foundation 

Opportunity Zone

Opportunity Zone Certification Form 

Tax Allocation District (TAD)

Avondale Estates Redevelopment Plan

Resolution