"A healthy, viable downtown is crucial to the economic health and civic pride of the entire community." - National Trust For Historic Preservation.
Over 1,600 American Cities have embraced Main Street's goals of downtown revitalization and the preservation of their community's historic cores. Toccoa is one of 46 Georgia cities taking part in this effort.
The Main Street Program began in 1990 to facilitate the revitalization of downtown Toccoa. The program's mission is to improve Toccoa's quality of life by strengthening downtown's role as the community's heart. Toccoa Main Street advances this goal through the activities described below.
Secure Support and Participation of all Interested Groups
Coordinate Activities of Board, Manager & Community
Establish and Monitor Work Plan
Public Relations
Financial Management
Public-Private Partnership
Volunteer Development
Market Unified Central Business District
Image Building Events
Joint Promotions and Advertising
Safe Environment
Tourism Development
Heritage Education
Market Analysis
Business Retention/Recruitment
Financial Incentives
Maintain Business Inventory
Improve Retail Mix
Real Estate Development
Business Location and Cluster
Public Restroom Facilities
Public Space Improvements
Parking Management
Technical Assistance for Design Improvements in:
Signage and Graphics
Visual Merchandising
Landscaping
Building Design
Building Maintenance
Beautification
Christmas Decorations
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Downtown Development Authorities Law of 1981 created a seven-member board of directors which was reactivated in 1990 and appointed by the City Commission. The DDA, a volunteer organization, has overall responsibility of the Main Street Program. Four of the directors must be owners of downtown businesses. The DDA provides advocacy and support for program efforts to:
Provide public education on downtown's value to the community and its place in the city's heritage Stimulate downtown economic activity through focused recruitment and support of existing businesses Focus attention on downtown's assets through joint marketing and by linking downtown activities with other community activities Recruit volunteers for downtown redevelopment and coordinate their efforts.
The DDA meets the fourth Friday of each month at 8 a.m. in City Hall. Board members chair one of the four committees that comprise the Main Street Program. Toccoa's committees are based on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's recommended four-point approach to downtown redevelopment in the context of historic preservation.
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