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Community Development
Programs & Initiatives

MADISON MAIN STREET:
Selected in 1984 to be one of the pilot cities for the Georgia Main Street Program, Madison established a special tax district for the central business district. The membership of the Downtown Business Council (DBC) includes every business enterprise and property owner within the district and is guided by the organizational branch, also known as the Main Street Advisory Board (MAB). Within the DBC membership, there are three group associations - Retial, Hospitality, and Professional. Main Street initiatives are devised and implemented by a full-time Main Street Director and three additional branches: promotions (Retail), design (see HPC), and economic restructuring (see DDA). Special projects and activities are organized by committees such as Antiques Co-Op, MadisonFest, etc. Main Street stresses cooperative efforts for a strong business core as well as downtown as a community gathering place for special events.

ACHIEVEMENTS/PROJECTS/PROGRAMS:
? Certified National Main Street City ? Pilot City, Georgia Main Street Program ? Madison Fest - annual summer arts & crafts festival draws approximately 100 artisans and 4000 residents/visitors for the day ? Joint Marketing & Promotions ? Youth Customer Service Training ? Seasonal/Civic Events such as ... Trick-or-Treat Downtown, Holiday Parade, Merchant Holiday Open House, Caroling by Candlelight, etc.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT:
Leadership for the downtown development program is provided by the Downtown Development Authority of Madison (DDA). Established in 1984 and reactivated in 1996, this active volunteer board works to enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Madison - the heart of community. The DDA is a statutory, dependent authority registered with the Secretary of State and the Department of Community Affairs. Additionally, the board serves as the Economic Restructuring Committee for the Madison Main Street Program. This civic board also works cooperatively with the local non-profit, Downtown Design & Development, Inc. (3-D).

ACHIEVEMENTS/PROJECTS/PROGRAMS:
? Registered Downtown Development Authority ? Downtown Neighborhood Revitilization - Walker-Rose Lane Development: 7 unit neotraditional affordable infill housing ? Downtown Post Office - proactively leasing an abandoned grocery store to afford post office a downtown expansion option ? Downtown Facade Grant Program - contracts with local non-profit to offer 50/50 grant program to encourage downtown improvements 2001: $5000 grants = $25000 total investment

COMMUNITY TOURISM:
The very successful community tourism program is guided by the Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), operating as a division of the Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce. Highly active since 1985, the bureau has a full-time director, a volunteer Advisory Board, and eight active committees. In addition to operating the Madison Welcome Center, the CVB coordinates all regional marketing initiatives and concentrates upon promoting Madison and Morgan County to both national and international visitors. Tourism has become Madison's leading economic engine and the supplemental dollars generated from a local hotel/motel tax are instrumental to local economic vitality and community development.

ACHIEVEMENTS/PROJECTS/PROGRAMS:
? Certified Local Welcome Center @ 40,000 annual visitors / heritage tourists ? Historic Home Tours: May Tour of Homes Town & Country Holiday Tour ? Regional Marketing Participation: Antiques, 441 Heritage Corridor, Antebellum Trail, Lake Country, Treasures Along I-20 & March to the Sea ? Private Tour Operations: Horse & Carriage Tours Historic Madison Trolley Tours ? www.TourMadison.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
The Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce (COC) plays an pivotal role in Madison's economic development program. Drawing upon its diverse membership representing local commercial and industrial sectors, the Board of Directors addresses the various needs of a thriving business community and utilizes a full-time President/CEO and five operational divisions. Madison provides substantial funds for the COC's Industrial Development Committee. In addition to the implementation of several state-recognized programs, the COC solicits comment and support from the local business community for economic development ventures, such as the four county Joint Development Authority (creating a regional industrial park), I-20 Special Tax District (provides interstate interchange lighting), and Madison Industrial Park (recruitment of new prospects).

ACHIEVEMENTS/PROJECTS/PROGRAMS:
? www.Madisonga.org ? IMPACT - a professional quaterly newsletter ? Entrepreneurial Academy - provides expert instruction to small/novice businesses ? Twelve at Twelve Luncheon Series - a monthly forum for two-way communication ? Outreach & Service Programs such as... Partners In Education, Health Care Solutions, Drugs Don't Work, etc. ? Fundraising & Promotional Efforts: White Columns Golf Classic Annual Taste of Madison

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING - Growth Management - Historic Preservation - Greenspace Conservation - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Corridor Management - Cemetery Stewardship - Madison Main Street - Downtown Development - Community Tourism - Economic Development - OTHER PROGRAMS -

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