Rural Downtown Redevelopment Grant Program Announced

Staff Report

Wednesday, April 13th, 2022

As DCA’s mission is to help build strong, vibrant communities, the intersection between the needs of the community and the mission of the Department provides a unique opportunity for the community and the agency to partner in this endeavor.  As one-time funding has been appropriated by the General Assembly for this purpose, DCA will move rapidly to solicit applications, review those submitted, and announce funding awards before the end of state fiscal year 2022. Review full notice of funding availability here.

DCA’s commitment is to provide communities with financial resources to help implement those transformative downtown projects that would not take place at this time without state assistance.  While transformation means different things in different communities, for the purposes of this grant, DCA is seeking applications that will:

  • increase opportunities for private investment to be injected into areas of disinvestment,
  • increase commerce within the downtown,
  • facilitate additional visitors/shoppers/activities within the downtown space,
  • address workforce development and/or downtown housing needs that contribute to the overall revitalization of the community. 

The relationship between the community’s current state, the activities defined in the application and the outcomes anticipated from their implementation should be clearly documented.

Eligibility and Matching

Eligible applicants include Georgia cities, counties and authorities. The total amount available for grant awards is $17,000,000 with funding requests of a minimum of $1,000,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000. Additionally, the grant requires 25% matching funds.