community branding & maximizing visitor spending: athens downtown development authority
DESCRIPTION
Athens Downtown Development AuthorityTRANSCRIPT
Athens Downtown Development Authority
September 21, 2014
About us…
Formed by state legislation in 1977, the Athens Downtown Development Authority administers the revitalization and redevelopment of the Central Business District. Acting as a liaison between the Athens Clarke County Government and the Downtown Business community, the Authority coordinates planning and implementation of public facilities as well as assisting private investors and individual businesses.
The Athens Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors is a seven member volunteer board appointed by the Athens-Clarke County Board of Commissioners that governs the Downtown Development Authority.
Our Mission…
The ADDA Mission is to:* create an economically sustainable, vibrant and viable
downtown * create an environment that attracts people and investments * be an advocacy group for downtown constituents * promote downtown to residents, businesses and visitors
FY14-15 PRIORITIES
1. Infrastructure - plan and advocate for improved public and private downtown utilities
2. Business Resources - research, communicate and utilize loans, grants and incentives
3. Economic Impact - measure and communicate the large impact of downtown activity
4. Promotion - wayfinding, aesthetics and cleanliness of downtown
5. Organization - internal review of policies, procedures and partnerships
6. Planning - Master Plan implementation strategy
Adopted October 2013
Downtown
Downtown…
Size 20 blocks136 acres3/4 mile east-west by ½ mile north-south
Population ~17,000 (1 miles radius)2,800 student bedrooms (constructed & permitted)
Business 300+ businesses call Downtown Athens home69 bars59 retail & specialty shops58 restaurants & cafes
6 churches 9 entertainment venues 8 major banks