What’s a DDA and what does it do?

Auburn’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a dedicated group of volunteers who play a key role in holding and managing public properties. In Georgia, DDA’s are a mechanism created in 1981 by the state’s General Assembly, to help revitalize and redevelop central business districts. The goal of a DDA is to help bring about a healthy, vibrant downtown for the city it serves.

In 2008, Auburn’s Mayor and City Council formed the Auburn Downtown Development Authority as a first step toward bringing activity to the downtown core. This dedicated team manages the Whistlestop Shops, and coordinates with resources at the state level, such as financing tools, grants, and program training. They work with the Mayor and City Council, staff, and the city attorney to help grow the central downtown area in keeping with the collective vision and goals.

The DDA holds title to the property on Atlanta Highway, which was purchased to create the new City Municipal Complex. As city offices, court services, and the police department move across the street, the DDA will manage the vacated historic storefront buildings. Chitra Subbarayan is Auburn’s economic development partner, helping the DDA attract businesses that will bring people and activity downtown.

The Auburn DDA includes residents, business owners, historians and next generation leadership. Members must attend at least 8 hours of training on downtown development and redevelopment programs.

The Auburn DDA advocates for downtown and supports downtown businesses by:

• Acting as a liaison with city, county and state officials on behalf of downtown;
• Funding and managing downtown beautification programs (benches, planters, public streetscape improvements, redevelopment of public spaces, etc.);
• Actively recruiting businesses that complement the business mix and generate pedestrian traffic;
• Hosting programs on business recruitment incentive programs and other topics that support entrepreneurs and existing businesses;
• Addressing downtown challenges and implementing short-term solutions while considering long-term infrastructure improvements.

Auburn Downtown Development Authority

• Bel Outwater – Chair
• Tina Parks – Vice Chair
• Cameron Whitehead - Secretary
• Susan Long
• Tina Nix
• Miguel Silva
• Massa Williams

For more information, including agendas and meeting minutes, click HERE.