Cartersville Looks To Improve Downtown Parking, Fill Vacant Storefronts

Submitted by the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority shall develop a work plan of desired goals each year. The plan serves as a benchmark for progress. The goals for 2015 were developed by the DDA board and staff. The board is charged with implementing the plan and is comprised of committees that carry out the purpose, function and management of the DDA. This document gives insight to the structure of the DDA and committee descriptions.

The organizational structure of the DDA consists of four committees with seven to nine intended members per committee, and the Executive Committee consisting of the officers. The committees are based on the four point approach to downtown revitalization as outlined by the National Main Street Program including Outreach, Promotion, Design and Economic Development.

Many items in the 2014 Work Plan evolved from the completion and approval of the Downtown Master Plan, approved by Cartersville City Council in November 2013. Top success from 2014 included improved First Friday events, which were themed for the first time; approval from downtown property owners to expand the use of Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) money, which led to installation of free Wi-Fi downtown; development and release of a downtown mobile app; and completion of a Downtown Design Plan.

Other notable accomplishments in 2014 included being named the Downtown Development Program of the Year and being named to the National Register of Historic Places.

The 2015 Work Plan looks to grow upon the many accomplishments of 2014, while also striving to grow each committee’s volunteer base, and further improve downtown events and activities.

The Executive Committee consists of the officers of the Board. They oversee the Work Plan implementation and the internal operations for efficient management of Authority. Officers are elected by the board annually.

• Monitor compliance of mandated training and encourage ongoing board and staff education;
• Support and coordinate all programs and committees;
• Coordinate leadership recruitment and nomination;
• Conduct orientation of new board members; and
• Oversee annual Main Street Recertification Assessment.

The Outreach Committee, chaired by Jim Ballew, works to promote the programs and services of the authority, and grows participation through effective communication and viable public-private partnerships.

The 2015 Outreach tasks include:

• Establish block captains and hold monthly meeting;
• Hold quarterly meetings with downtown business and property owners;
• Grow First Friday events by helping to educate business owners on how to utilize the events for their benefit;
• Divide downtown into seven sections and give each board member an area to oversee;
• Improve communication with property owners.

Chaired by Lara Jeanneret, the Promotion Committee creates excitement downtown through the coordination and marketing of special events and image development campaigns that entice shoppers, investors and visitors to the downtown district. The 2015 Promotions tasks include:

• Coordinate co-op advertising;
• Coordinate a co-op billboard
• Work on improvements to the Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival, namely establishing a committee for the event;
• Create handout or other educational piece to help businesses understand how to use First Fridays to advantage;
• Promote the downtown app in new and creative ways; and
• Make necessary updates and edits to the See, Shop & Dine brochure and do a reprint.

The Design Committee, led by Earline Burke, enhances the attractiveness of the business district by promoting and guiding physical improvements. Building rehabilitation, attractive landscaping and clean streets all improve the physical image of the district, contributing to the reinvestment of public and private dollars.

The 2015 Design tasks include:

• Build a pavilion in Friendship Plaza;
• Develop guidelines and initiate a quarterly art market in the Firehouse Gallery (bay of old fire station);
• Sponsor a spring sidewalk chalk art competition;
• Research grant sources for implementing the design plan and submit applications; and
• work with the downtown merchants and city to install parking and directional signage.

The Economic Development Committee analyzes the economic condition of the downtown district and works to recruit new business, creatively convert unused space for new uses, and sharpens the competitiveness of Main Street’s traditional merchants.

Led by Bill Chandler, the 2015 Economic Development tasks include:

• Targeted recruitment to vacant sites/buildings;
• Partner with Chamber of Commerce to host workshops/seminars to better equip existing downtown businesses;
• Continue to investigate ways to improve downtown parking;
• Look into feasibility of offering co-op advertising in local media; and
• Complete and distribute the ‘How to Open a Downtown Business’ guide.

The DDA’s Board of Directors sets policy and governs the Authority, makes decisions, allocates resources and provides direction and support for the work plan. Board members are appointed by the City Council to four year terms and meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Cartersville Welcome Center, 1 Friendship Plaza.

DDA board members are: Chair Nancy Jackson, Secretary Jill Mitchell, Jim Ballew, Earline Burke, Bill Chandler, Lara Jeanneret and Dan Kramer.

Photo credit: Cartersville Downtown Development Authority