Certified Downtown Professional Certification 06/2026

Downtown Douglas
The Georgia Downtown Association's professional development program is designed to elevate the practice of community and economic development in downtown districts thereby providing a higher level of service and improving the quality of life for all of Georgia's communities and citizens. Benefits Provides a system of progressive, structured improvement in professional practice and receive peer recognition for distinct levels of achievement. Provides evidence of the employee's professional growth. Increased level of expertise that a successful, long-term professional brings to the dynamic challenges of downtown development.

Online Registration Closes: May 29, 2026 or when classes are full. Registration fees must be paid in full prior to participation in the training sessions. Payments may be made by credit card, check or money order. You must create or sign into your account to register for the classes.  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations will subject to a $25 cancellation fee. Written notice of cancellation is required. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event.  Cancellations received after June 1st will not be refunded.

https://www.gacities.com/Legal-Disclaimer
When
6/9/2026 9:00 AM - 6/10/2026 4:00 PM
Eastern Daylight Time
Where
200 S. Madison Ave Douglas, GA 31533 UNITED STATES
Registration
Registration is closed.
Event Contact
Ms. Renée Coakley - Phone: (678) 244-0511

Program

Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Description
Ethics & Managing Different Stakeholders
This class examines the importance of ethical conduct in the administration of a downtown development professional’s public duties and discuss ethical dilemmas that often confront them. Participants will gain knowledge, understanding and skills to communicate and cooperate effectively when managing different stakeholders. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Critique common ethical dilemmas and distinguish alternative courses of action. Recognize the need for ethical judgement. Articulate the importance and benefits of inclusive programs for downtowns.  Location:  Central Square Complex (200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533) in the "Dogwood" and "Magnolia" classrooms
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM
Event Planning, Implementation, & Marketing
This class will provide attendees an overview of the benefits of various types of events; how to effectively plan events and use social media to market downtown; and understand the economic impact of events in downtowns while learning from practitioners with real life examples. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Summarize the tools to effectively plan and market events in downtowns. List data to tract to determine success of downtown events. Location:  Central Square Complex (200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533) in the "Dogwood" and "Magnolia" classrooms
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Description
Developing Your Toolbox for Developing (Funding, Resources, & Tools I)
This class will provide downtown development professionals with a working knowledge of the powers and programs available to either facilitate development by the authority or to incentivize development by the private sector. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Recognize the difference between community-facilitated development and community-initiated development and when each is appropriate. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the funding sources available to DDA's to support or initiate development in their downtown. Identify resources available through the DDA to incentivize development by private parties in their downtown district. Appraise potential downtown development projects and determine what resources may be available to assist such projects. Location: Central Square Complex (200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533) in the "Dogwood" and "Magnolia" classrooms
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM
Partnership & Community Engagement Purpose
This class aims to teach downtown development professionals the value of partnerships, empower them to identify gaps in support, and illustrate how by working together with the board and local government can grow impactful community engagement. By the end of this session, downtown development professionals will have the skills to build partnerships, grow relationships, and lead confidently, with the understanding that together, we can accomplish more than we can alone. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify current partners and opportunities for additional collaborations. Construct a programmatic report which can be used to advocate for the local downtown program. Select an elected official who could serve on your board in an official or unofficial capacity. Formulate a "bench" to support the manager in specific initiatives, projects, or programs.  Location:  Central Square Complex (200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533) in the "Dogwood" and "Magnolia" classrooms
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM