Community Development

A Multi-Faceted Approach

Whereas as comprehensive planning is a broader and often regulatory approach to city management, community development is generally a targeted and more incentive-based approach.

To insure a quality city for residents, businesses, and visitors, the City of Madison supports an array of community development strategies, initiatives, programs, and projects: 

COMMUNITY TOURISM

The Madison-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), a nonprofit corporation partially funded through Madison's hotel/motel tax, guides the very successful community tourism effort. The CVB employs a full-time director. In addition to operating the Madison Welcome Center, the CVB coordinates all regional marketing initiatives and concentrates upon promoting Madison and Morgan County to both national and international visitors. Tourism has become Madison's leading economic engine and is instrumental to local economic vitality and community development.
Madison CVB website


MADISON MAIN STREET

Madison was selected in 1984 to be among the earliest designated to participate in this national program. To obtain and retain accredited as a National Main Street and a Georgia Main Street, the City of Madison employees a full-time Main Street Director to implement the 4-Point Approach in downtown. Madison Main Street supports cooperative efforts for a strong business core as well as downtown as a destination for community events and regional tourism.
Madison Main Street website


ECONOMIC / INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is the leading agency for attracting new business investment, assisting retention and expansion of existing businesses, and promoting Morgan County for destination meetings, tourism, and filming. Madison taxpayers provide 65% of the funding necessary to employ an Economic Development Director. The director seeks, assists, and provides information to potential developments seeking available site and buildings throughout Morgan County.
Economic Development website


DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

The Downtown Development Authority of Madison contracts with a local non-profit, Downtown Design & Development, Inc. (3-D) to provide downtown services. At present, the most significant program is the Downtown Façade Grant Program, offering façade grants to property owner and businesses to keep our Downtown looking great.
More information on the DDA of Madison


URBAN RENEWAL - DOWNTOWN & BEYOND

Madison's first urban redevelopment area has taken great strides and improvements are obvious.  Two additional urban redevelopment areas are contemplated by the Comprehensive Plan.
More details on our progress
Existing & Potential Urban Redevelopment Areas