SANDERSVILLE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Sandersville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created by the mayor and council in 2001 in accordance with the Downtown Development Authority Law. The purpose of the DDA is "the revitalization and redevelopment of the central business district of the city; to develop and promote for the public good and general welfare trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities and to promote the general welfare of the state of Georgia."

The city appoints a seven member Board of Directors for four-year terms. The DDA is both a public agency and a private organization with advantages over other agencies because its sole objective is supporting the downtown business community. The DDA is empowered to purchase and own property; to lease or rent; to finance projects; to receive government grants or loans; to execute contracts; to finance projects; and to receive tax monies. The DDA is primarily a policy and decision-making body and may also be a land developer, landlord, planning organization, or a project manager. The DDA's director administers the day-to-day revitalization efforts.  

Downtown development authorities were created by the General Assembly for every city in the state However, downtown development authorities cannot transact any business or exercise any powers until activated by adopting and filing an ordinance or resolution. The resolution must declare the need for the authority, specify the boundaries of the downtown development area that constitutes the central business district and appoint the initial directors. Sandersville passed the resolution on April 2, 2001. View Resolution

State law (OCGA 36-42-8) lists the general powers of downtown development authorities. As with other types of authorities in Georgia, downtown development authorities may accept grants and apply for loans. They can also own, acquire and improve property, and they are empowered to enter into contracts and intergovernmental agreements. DDAs also have the authority to issue revenue bonds.

The DDA Law indicates that the seven directors must be taxpayers residing in the county in which the authority is located. At least four of the directors must also be owners or operators of downtown businesses. Directors of authorities created under the DDA law are appointed by the governing body of the municipality. When appointed, directors are required to attend and complete at least eight hours of training on downtown development and redevelopment programs.

The authority can undertake commercial, business, office, industrial, parking, or public projects where these will have a benefit for the downtown. (Certain public projects such as the construction of government buildings and streets are not permissible DDA projects). A 1988 amendment added hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and intermediate care homes where such facilities are operated on a not-for-profit basis.

The Sandersville DDA meets on the third Thursday of each month at 8:15AM at the Chamber of Commerce.

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