The Office of Downtown Development is located in the heart of Rome. The office is in the historic Carnegie building at 607 Broad Street, the Downtown Development Department of the City of Rome is fully devoted to the revitalization of the downtown district. The Director staffs the Rome Downtown Development Authority (DDA), oversees the Main Street Program, and the downtown parking program. The office also serves as a ready point of contact for prospects, project management, grant programs, and administering the downtown revolving loan fund. The office offers many programs and services to help better the downtown community and coordinate wonderful community events in the vibrant city center, including the First Fridays series and Fiddlin’ Fest. Other staff members include a parking manager, parking personnel, enforcement officer, marketing and event coordinator, and an administrative assistant.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1981 in accordance with the Downtown Development Authority Law. The city appoints a seven member Board of Directors for four-year terms. The DDA is both a public agency and a private organization. The nature of the DDA brings advantages because their sole concern is the downtown area, avoiding unrelated issues. City officials, business and civic leaders cannot do this because downtown is only one area of concern. The DDA powers include: to purchase and own property; to lease or rent; to finance projects; to receive government grants or loans; to execute contracts; to finance projects; and to receive tax monies. The DDA is primarily a policy and decision-making body and may also be a land developer, landlord, planning organization, or a project manager. The DDA’s director administers the day-to-day revitalization efforts. The DDA board members chair five volunteer based committees: Outreach, Design, Promotions, Business Development, and Parking. DDA Board Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month in the Carnegie Building Training Room located at 607 Broad Street and are open to the public. DDA Committees also meet on a monthly basis. For more information on committees, please refer to the Volunteer page.
Our Mission: To develop downtown’s historic, social and economic culture
Our Vision: The citizens of Rome-Floyd County will experience a historic city center valued as a vital contributor to the community’s heritage and identity