Decatur
Established in 2004, the Decatur, Alabama Downtown Redevelopment Authority was formed to provide consistent support and promotion of the city's redevelopment projects, and create easier avenues for private developers to build and remodel in the downtown and riverfront areas. The organization is governed by a board of directors and led by a full-time executive director. The authority's first executive director, Rick Paler, was appointed to the position in the fall of 2007.
The authority's main responsibilities include:
- Real estate analysis
- Real estate development
- Land acquisition
- Land banking
- Public/private negotiations
- Grant proposal writing
- Grant administration and compliance
- Budget preparation and project planning
- Project management
- Public relations and city council coordination
- Downtown planning and coordination
- Management of the future Building Improvement District (BID)
The Downtown Redevelopment Authority works closely with the city of Decatur, Alabama, the Morgan County Commission, the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Decatur Downtown Merchant and Business Association (DDMBA) and other government and civic organizations. The Authority also works directly with private investors and developers to attract and encourage new development projects in the downtown Decatur and riverfront districts.
Decatur became a Main Street Alabama designated community in June, 2014.
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