What Is the Downtown Development Authority (DDA)…and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve attended a City Council meeting, heard someone mention the “DDA,” or seen discussions about downtown development, you may have wondered:
What exactly is the Downtown Development Authority?
More importantly…
Why should I care?
The answer is simple:
Because the success of downtown affects the success of the entire city.
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business owner, student, or visitor, the health of downtown influences property values, economic opportunities, community pride, tourism, and quality of life.
Let’s explore why.
What Is a Downtown Development Authority?
A Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a public organization established under Georgia law to strengthen, revitalize, and promote a city’s downtown district.
Think of the DDA as the economic development engine for downtown.
While the Mayor and City Council govern the entire city, the DDA focuses specifically on making downtown a place where people want to:
- Open businesses
- Invest money
- Shop
- Dine
- Live
- Visit
- Celebrate community
Its mission is simple:
Create a vibrant downtown that benefits the entire city.
Why Does Jonesboro Have a DDA?
Downtown is often the first impression visitors have of a city.
It tells people who we are.
It reflects our history.
It showcases our businesses.
It creates experiences that keep people coming back.
When downtown thrives…
Businesses thrive.
Property values increase.
Tourism grows.
Local jobs are created.
Tax revenues increase.
Entrepreneurs choose to invest.
Residents enjoy more places to gather.
Simply put…
A healthy downtown creates a healthier city.
What Should a Successful DDA Be Doing?
A proactive DDA doesn’t simply meet once a month.
It works every day to create opportunity.
Recruiting New Businesses
Successful DDAs actively market available properties and recruit businesses that complement the community’s vision.
Rather than waiting for businesses to discover Jonesboro, they build relationships with entrepreneurs, developers, restaurants, retailers, and investors to encourage them to locate downtown.
Supporting Existing Businesses
Recruiting businesses is only half the job.
Keeping them successful is equally important.
A thriving DDA supports local businesses through:
- Marketing initiatives
- Networking opportunities
- Grand openings
- Ribbon cuttings
- Educational workshops
- Business resources
- Collaborative promotions
- Problem-solving partnerships
When local businesses succeed, the community succeeds.
Encouraging Investment
Developers invest where they see leadership, vision, and momentum.
The DDA helps create confidence by promoting redevelopment opportunities, encouraging building renovations, and helping connect investors with available properties.
Every new investment sends a message that Jonesboro is growing.
Beautification
People naturally spend more time—and money—in places that feel welcoming.
A successful downtown focuses on:
- Attractive landscaping
- Flowers and seasonal décor
- Decorative lighting
- Public art
- Walkable streets
- Clean sidewalks
- Inviting storefronts
- Well-maintained public spaces
Beautiful communities create civic pride.
Hosting Community Events
Events bring people together while supporting local businesses.
Examples include:
- Farmers markets
- Concerts
- Holiday celebrations
- Art festivals
- Food festivals
- Small business showcases
- Family activities
Every visitor attending an event represents an opportunity for local businesses.
Preserving History
Jonesboro is rich in history.
A successful DDA works to preserve historic buildings while encouraging thoughtful redevelopment that respects our past and embraces our future.
History and progress should work together—not compete against one another.
Marketing Downtown
One of the DDA’s most important responsibilities is telling the story of downtown Jonesboro.
That means promoting:
- Local businesses
- Available commercial properties
- Community events
- Investment opportunities
- Historic attractions
- Downtown amenities
If people don’t know what Jonesboro has to offer, they can’t choose to visit.
What Happens When a DDA Isn’t Operating at Full Strength?
The effects are often gradual—but noticeable.
Communities may begin to experience:
- Vacant storefronts
- Reduced business investment
- Fewer restaurants and shops
- Less foot traffic
- Missed grant opportunities
- Fewer downtown events
- Declining tourism
- Reduced community engagement
- Slower economic growth
Businesses don’t always avoid cities because they aren’t interested.
Sometimes…
No one is actively inviting them.
Economic Development Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Successful downtowns don’t simply “get lucky.”
Someone is constantly:
- Meeting with developers.
- Writing grants.
- Building partnerships.
- Recruiting businesses.
- Promoting available properties.
- Organizing events.
- Marketing downtown.
- Supporting entrepreneurs.
- Planning for future growth.
That “someone” is often the Downtown Development Authority.
Growth is intentional.
What Does Success Look Like?
Imagine spending a Saturday in Downtown Jonesboro.
Families are walking the sidewalks.
Restaurants are full.
Shoppers are visiting locally owned boutiques.
Children are laughing during a community festival.
Live music fills the air.
Historic buildings have been beautifully restored.
Small businesses are expanding.
New entrepreneurs are opening their doors.
Visitors from neighboring communities are spending their weekends here.
Downtown feels alive.
That isn’t just a dream.
It’s the result of intentional planning, strategic investment, and community collaboration.
How Does This Affect Residents?
Even if you’ve never attended a DDA meeting…
You’ll notice when it’s working.
You’ll see:
More restaurants
More shopping
More local jobs
More festivals
More investment
Higher property values
Increased tourism
Safer, more vibrant public spaces
A downtown residents are proud to call their own
A thriving downtown improves everyone’s quality of life.
Five Questions Every Resident Should Ask About Their Downtown
A thriving downtown doesn’t happen by chance—it happens through vision, planning, and accountability. Here are five questions every resident should consider:
1. What is our vision for downtown Jonesboro?
Every successful downtown has a clear, long-term plan. Growth doesn’t happen by accident.
2. What businesses are we actively recruiting?
Are we pursuing restaurants, boutiques, entertainment, offices, housing, or mixed-use developments that reflect the needs and character of our community?
3. How many vacant storefronts do we have, and what is the plan to fill them?
Empty storefronts represent missed opportunities for jobs, investment, and economic activity. A successful DDA works proactively to reduce vacancies.
4. What grants and partnerships are we pursuing?
DDAs often have access to state, federal, and private funding opportunities that can support revitalization efforts, infrastructure improvements, beautification projects, and economic development.
5. How are we measuring success?
Success isn’t measured only by new buildings.
It can also be measured by:
- Business occupancy rates
- New business openings
- Foot traffic
- Community events
- Tourism
- Property values
- Private investment
- Resident satisfaction
When we measure progress, we create accountability.
How Can Residents Help?
Downtown belongs to all of us.
You can help by:
- Shopping locally.
- Dining locally.
- Attending downtown events.
- Supporting small businesses.
- Volunteering.
- Sharing positive experiences.
- Welcoming visitors.
- Offering constructive ideas.
Every dollar spent locally strengthens our community.
Every positive experience shared encourages someone else to visit.
Every resident has a role in shaping downtown’s future.
The Bottom Line
A Downtown Development Authority is much more than another board or committee.
It is one of the city’s most important tools for strengthening the local economy, attracting investment, supporting businesses, preserving history, and creating a vibrant downtown that serves residents for generations to come.
When a DDA has a clear vision, strong leadership, engaged partners, and community support, its impact extends far beyond Main Street. It influences economic growth, community pride, and the overall quality of life throughout the city.
Downtown isn’t just the center of Jonesboro geographically.
It is the heart of our community.
And when the heart is healthy…
The entire city benefits.
A Final Thought
The question isn’t whether Jonesboro deserves a thriving downtown.
We all know it does.
The real question is:
What kind of downtown do we want to leave for the next generation—and what are we willing to do today to make that vision a reality?
That answer belongs to all of us.
The Jonesboro Bridge
Bridging the gap between residents and local government, one conversation at a time.
Forward With Fox
Reshaping One Jonesboro 
Councilwoman Santia Fox
