🌟 State of Economic Development – Empowering Revitalization 🌟
Since 2023, success stories in cities like Douglas, Moultrie, Gainesville, and others have sparked discussions between the City of Vidalia, the City of Lyons, and Toombs County about the possibility of creating Tax Allocation Districts (TADs). Over the past year and a half, both cities and the county have approved measures asking for local legislation to authorize them to exercise redevelopment powers. The Greater Vidalia® Chamber and Toombs County Development Authority have also expressed support, advocating for the establishment of TADs. Legislation to make this possible has now been introduced in the Georgia General Assembly. Once the governor signs the bill, voters will have an opportunity to approve the exercise of redevelopment powers in November 2025.
The Chamber’s first program in the 2025 State of Community, State of Economic Development – Empowering Revitalization, aimed to introduce the concept of TADs to the community. Redevelopment is an important part of economic development. Having redevelopment powers, including TADs, are a valuable tool for funding redevelopment projects and driving economic growth. The Chamber is hopeful the session clarified how these districts could benefit the community and addressed any concerns the voters might have, the most important being TAD is not an additional tax.
Held on February 18th at Lyons First Baptist Church, the event featured expert speakers Andy Camp, Regional Director of Economic Development, Thomas & Hutton, and Chris Pumphrey, President, Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership. The insightful panel discussion highlighted the powerful role TADs might play in community revitalization.
Presented By: Brown Companies
