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STEP 2: Create a Staffed Downtown Development Office
• Create the necessary public and private support to hire a downtown development manager with an adequate
operating budget to facilitate and manage your downtown revitalization efforts. For cities under 5,000 in
population, a part-time (20 hrs/wk) manager is adequate for the initial phases of the effort. For cities over 5,000
in population, a full-time manager is essential and recommended. Make certain that a public/private board or
DDA oversees the downtown revitalization program and that your efforts are grounded in a comprehensive
work plan and a managed approach.
The Manager’s role:
• The Manager serves as the Coordinator, Facilitator, Motivator and even Instigator for the local Program.
• The Manager is responsible for day-to-day activities and manages program volunteers and staff.
• The Manager provides a communication link between the local agencies, businesses, government and citizens.
Like a shopping center manager, the local Manager initiates and coordinates a wide range of projects, from
supervising promotional activities to assembling market information. The Manager works with a volunteer board
and four working committees composed of residents, business owners, property owners and city/county
officials/staff.
• The local Manager’s most important role is to serve as advocate for downtown.
• The local Manager’s duties evolve as the program’s goals and opportunities change, but the Manager’s focus
is always on downtown.
• The local Manager is very important - and should not take the place of volunteers in the organization.
• The Manager along with the local board of directors develops an action plan, based on the goals addressed
during a community-wide meeting. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Downtown
Development Regional Contact can assist with setting up this community-wide meeting.
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