The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of the City of Warrenton is a public agency established under the provisions of the Georgia State Code (O.C.G.A. 36-42-1), designed to foster the revitalization and redevelopment of the downtown area. Like other DDAs in Georgia, the Warrenton DDA is charged with promoting the economic stability and growth of the city's central business district by stimulating private investment, restoring and improving historic buildings, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Purpose and Legal FrameworkThe Warrenton DDA operates within the legal framework provided by the Georgia General Assembly, which allows municipalities to establish DDAs as quasi-governmental entities. The authority is responsible for:

• Promoting the redevelopment and improvement of downtown areas.
• Facilitating the attraction and retention of businesses.
• Administering and encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance economic vitality.

Functions of the DDA
Key roles of the Warrenton DDA include:

1. Economic Development: The DDA works to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises, and create jobs within the downtown district. It encourages economic growth through property development, marketing, and infrastructure improvements.
2. Real Estate & Property Management: The DDA has the ability to purchase, lease, or sell property within its jurisdiction. This allows it to manage strategic properties in downtown Warrenton, encourage redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties, and ensure that spaces are used in a way that benefits the community.
3. Grant Programs & Financial Incentives: The DDA can facilitate various financial incentives, including low-interest loans, facade improvement grants, and tax abatements, aimed at encouraging downtown investment. This financial support is vital in preserving the historical and architectural integrity of the downtown area.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: One of the DDA's key strategies is leveraging public-private partnerships. By collaborating with private developers, businesses, and other governmental agencies, the DDA can implement projects that might otherwise be unfeasible, such as large-scale building restorations or infrastructure upgrades.
5. Historic Preservation: The DDA helps maintain Warrenton’s unique historical character by encouraging the preservation of its architectural heritage. It plays a role in ensuring that building improvements align with the historical aesthetic of the town, contributing to tourism and local pride.
6. Planning and Zoning: The DDA works with the city’s planning and zoning department to ensure that downtown development aligns with long-term strategic goals. This includes coordinating redevelopment efforts with the overall master plan for downtown.

Powers of the DDA
Under Georgia law, DDAs are granted certain powers to achieve their mission, including:

• The ability to issue bonds to finance downtown projects.
• Acquiring and disposing of property.
• Engaging in contracts for urban redevelopment projects.
• Providing financing for businesses located within the district.

In Warrenton, the DDA serves as a critical tool for leveraging state and federal resources to enhance downtown and implement revitalization strategies. The authority’s efforts help ensure the downtown area remains a vibrant, economically viable, and attractive place for businesses, residents, and visitors.

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Downtown Development Authority Board

Chairman, Dennis Coxwell
Gene Smith
​Hope Thigpen

Staff

Jeffrey D. Fowler
Executive Director
[email protected]
(706) 465-9604