Downtown Development Authority and Mainstreet Program

Vision Statement

Downtown Dahlonega will retain its role as the heart of the region and the center for community and economic development. It will have an inviting appearance, highlighted by historic architecture. It will enhance the civic, cultural, and economic vitality of the entire community.

Downtown Dahlonega will be a strong center for business and an entertainment and learning destination with:

• A clean, well-lighted and inviting appearance day and night
• Attractive storefronts occupied with a variety of appealing retail and service businesses
• Activities that will attract and benefit areas residents, visitors, industry, and the university community
• Historic architecture that offers visual unity and a quality experience in history and culture
• Unified retail and service businesses with a reputation for teamwork and customer service
• A reputation as a creative and lively center where people will shop, enjoy, remember, and return

Main Street Program

Great American Main Street Award

Each year, the National Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization with the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 90 Main Street programs have been honored. In 2016, Dahlonega was recognized as a Great American Main Street Award Winner.

Georgia’s Exceptional Main Street

Georgia’s Exceptional Main Street communities, better known as GEMS, represent some of the best of the best Main Street Programs that the state has to offer. These Main Street Programs have gone above and beyond expectations by making a strong and positive impact in their communities as measured by the Monthly Reporting and the Annual Assessment Process. Dahlonega is designated as a GEMS City.

The Main Street Movement

Main Street is economic development within the context of historic preservation using a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization.

The Main Street Approach

The Main Street Approach is centered around Transformation Strategies. A Transformation Strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening the economy of our downtown. These Strategies are informed by a solid understanding of local and regional market data, local assets, and inclusive community engagement. Dahlonega Main Street’s work on Transformation Strategies is organized around the Four Point Approach: Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotion.

The Main Street’s Four Points

Organization
Creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and downtown resources.

Design
Creating an inviting and inclusive atmosphere. Celebrating historic character. Fostering accessible people-centered public spaces.

Economic Vitality
Building a diverse economic base by catalyzing smart new development while supporting the existing business fabric. Creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.

Promotion
Positions the downtown as the center of the community and the hub of economic activity while creating a positive image that showcases Dahlonega’s unique characteristics.

Downtown Development Board

• Tony Owens
• Donna Logan
• Wendi Huguley – Routhier
• Awtrey Moore
• Deb Rowe
• Dr. Melaine Dunlap
• Zach Payne 
• Ryan Reagin