Downtown Dalton Development Authority Information

The Downtown Dalton Development Authority (DDDA), a public corporation created in 1981 by the General Assembly of Georgia for the purpose of revitalizing Dalton's downtown area, is responsible for the development and promotion of trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities within the central business district. The preservation of Downtown Dalton's heritage and the expansion of its role as the economic, technological, professional, and cultural center for the Northwest Georgia Region have created a favorable climate to attract new businesses and support those already located in Downtown Dalton. The city of Dalton is a National Main Street City. Based in historic preservation, the Main Street approach was developed in 1980 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save historic commercial architecture and the fabric of American communities, but has since become a powerful economic development tool as well. Georgia was one of six original pilot states chosen for the Main Street Project and Dalton was among Georgia's earliest cities to gain national certification. The DDDA's Main Street program recently celebrated 30 consecutive years as a designated National Main Street City, distinguishing it as one of the oldest programs in the country. The Main Street program utilizes a four point approach to downtown management which includes design, organization, promotion and economic restructuring. An annual accreditation process ensures the program's credibility and success by evaluating commercial district revitalization programs based on stringent criteria covering the program's four point approach and proven methods of downtown management.