Downtown Development Authority (DDA) / Main Street Board

The Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created in 2001 by local legislation enacted by the Georgia General Assembly.

Vision Statement

The City of Avondale Estates is a vibrant, growing community with a small-town feel, which is inclusive of all residents, supports new and established businesses, and encourages quality and sustainable development. The downtown will follow the holistic city plan first designed by George Willis with integrated transportation, passive and active recreation opportunities, extensive landscaping, and exceptional architecture maintaining the city's unique sense of place.

Downtown Avondale Estates will be a unique pedestrian-oriented town center. New development will preserve and celebrate the city's arts and cultural heritage and provide housing and destinations for shopping and services, all within an environment of tree-lined streets, pocket parks, and plazas. A network of streets with wide sidewalks and bike facilities will provide safe connectivity throughout downtown and link it to MARTA and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mission Statement

The DDA/Main Street mission is to encourage redevelopment activities and provide assistance to private and public partners for the purpose of improving the downtown area.

Duties

The DDA is empowered under state law to:

  • Borrow money
  • Enter into contracts
  • Provide loans
  • Purchase property
  • Receive grants and gifts
  • Sell revenue bonds

Members

The Downtown Development Authority is comprised of seven members. Three members must be city residents, and four members must have a specific economic interest in the downtown area as business owners or operators. The members are appointed by the Board of Mayor and Commissioners, and each serves a four-year terms.

Dave Deiters, Chair, Resident

Leigh Lynch, Vice Chair, Business/Resident

Tom Trocheck, Treasurer, Resident

Morgan Perkins, Business

Jennifer Joyner, Business

Andrew Rutledge, Business

Lisa Shortell, Resident

Staff Liaison

Shannon Powell, Assistant City Manager, Executive Director of the DDA

2024 DDA Annual Report

Regular Meetings

  • The second Tuesday of every month
  • City Hall
    21 N Avondale Plaza
    Avondale Estates, GA 30002
  • Phone: 404-294-5400

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes.


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Main Street America Board

For more than 40 years, Main Street America has led a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and commercial districts across the country. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority is proud to serve as the city's Main Street America Affiliate Board.

Main Street America Documents

Incentives

Tax Allocation District (TAD)

Watch the 2025 Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority Annual Report, provided by DDA Chair Dave Deiters.