Mission, Vision, and Goals

Our Mission

The purpose of the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program is to stimulate and sustain economic development in Downtown Dahlonega by encouraging cooperation and building leadership; by advancing a positive image of downtown and promoting it as an exciting place to live, shop, and invest; by sustaining and improving the appearance of downtown; and by strengthening and expanding the economic base of downtown.

The Vision

Downtown Dahlonega will retain its role as the heart of the region and the center for community and economic development. It will have an inviting appearance, highlighted by historic architecture. It will enhance the civic, cultural, and economic vitality of the entire community. Downtown Dahlonega will be a strong center for business, and an entertainment and learning destination.

  • A clean, well-lighted and inviting appearance day and night
  • Attractive storefronts occupied with a variety of appealing retail and service businesses
  • Activities that will attract and benefit areas residents, visitors, industry, and the university community
  • Historic architecture that offers visual unity and a quality experience in history and culture
  • Unified retail and service businesses with a reputation for team work and customer service
  • A reputation as a creative and lively center where people will shop, enjoy, remember, and return

Economic Development Goals

The Economic Development Committee analyzes current market forces and develops long-term solutions. It supports business development and recruiting, and building an environment for long-term economic growth and community success. The Economic Development Committee will build a climate for investment resulting in job creation and retention, improved property values, increased sales tax revenue, and raising the profitability of the district by managing/guiding downtown real estate.  It will create and manage the balance of retail and service businesses, downtown residential living, cultural opportunities, and institutional facilities needed to ensure sustained economic success. The work requires:
  • An inventory of businesses & buildings
  • Market analysis
  • Support for the expansion of existing businesses
  • Recruiting new businesses
  • Providing educational and financial resources for downtown business owners, business development, property maintenance, and new construction
  • Making maximum use of all existing buildings
  • Adding sensitively designed new structures

Design Goals

The Design Committee deals with the appearance of our business district, our historic district, our landscaping, and lighting. These elements along with a pedestrian safe environment create a quality place to shop, work, walk, and live. With historic preservation as its base, the design committee will create and sustain a pedestrian-friendly downtown environment. Through its visual image, downtown will be viewed as the heart of the region and will be a designation for shopping, investing, and community building. The Design Committee will:
  • Preserve downtown’s unique architectural details
  • Provide good lighting for buildings and pedestrian areas
  • Provide appropriate and attractive streetscape and landscape features
  • Encourage attractive window displays
  • Provide colorful accents such as event flags and banners
  • Provide shade trees
  • Provide clean buildings and streets
  • Provide attractive parking areas
  • Provide appropriate signage

Promotional Goals

The Promotion Committee creates excitement about downtown to stimulate shopping and investment.  Marketing our historic architecture and unique sense of place are what positions us strategically in the competitive marketplace.  There is no other shopping destination like downtown Dahlonega, and that is our strength over the competition of other downtowns and shopping centers. The Promotion Committee creates and sells a positive image of the downtown district that encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play, and invest in downtown.  The Promotion Committee creates excitement about downtown through:

  • Special events
  • Retail sales events
  • Image campaigns
  • Market downtown’s unique characteristics to residents, investors, business owners, and visitors.

Organization Goals

The Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority/Better Hometown Program Board develops and sustains the framework of partnerships necessary for success. The Board serves as the organization committee and manages the downtown program with a commitment to:
  • Vision and planning
  • Building and sustaining partnerships to promote optimum downtown business conditions
  • Acquiring and managing funds and resources
  • Professional training
  • Effective communications