Downtown Development Association
The Clayton Downtown Development Association is a town council-appointed advisory committee for the enhancement and protection of Downtown Clayton. It is comprised of representatives from citizens inside the town limits, business persons with interests in the Downtown Clayton area, property owners within the Downtown District of Clayton, or other persons with knowledge or abilities deemed beneficial to the purpose of the Association by the Town Council. The Association works on behalf of the Town of Clayton and serves the Town's interests in relation to the goals and priorities established by the Town Council for the Town of Clayton. The goals of the CDDA are to:
- Protect and strengthen the business, cultural and entertainment environments in downtown Clayton.
- Provide services to those who shop, play and work in downtown Clayton.
- Serve as the voice of businesses and property owners in downtown Clayton with local and state entities.
- Support and coordinate long-term planning for downtown Clayton.
The Clayton Downtown Development Association follows the Main Street approach to downtown revitalization which involves four volunteer committees: Design, Economic Restructuring, Organization, and Promotions. The Board of Directors and these four committees work simultaneously to achieve their separate goals and objectives by executing specific projects that have been identified as being necessary, appropriate, and realistic. Read the complete 2006 Plan of Work.
DESIGN
The Design Committee strives to improve upon the appearance, functionality, safety, and character of our natural and built environment. Our actions for 2006/2007 include:
- Develop measurable standards for downtown cleanliness
- Implementation of downtown architectural guidelines
- Establish Façade Improvement program
- Coordinate community vision for public art
- Downtown gateway improvements
- Implement streetscape improvements
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING
The Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on strengthening and enhancing the downtown district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development. Our actions for 2006/2007 include:
- Establish database of downtown businesses, property owners and available properties
- Develop parking study to assist streetscape planning implementation
- Review ordinances for an investment and user-friendly downtown district
- Develop business retention, strengthening and recruitment plans and strategies
- Coordinate and develop historic preservation efforts including development of historic district
PROMOTION
The Promotion Committee markets and promotes downtown Clayton as a center of commerce and cultural and community life. Our actions for 2006/2007 include:
- Coordinate and develop promotional events
- Town Square Concert Series
- Recruit existing events to downtown Clayton
- Develop marketing campaign
- Develop sustainable banner program
- Develop a downtown directory
ORGANIZATION
The Organization Committee helps make sure that our program remains vibrant and strong. Their work involves educating the community about who we are, recruiting new volunteers, fostering strong partnerships with other organizations and the Town of Clayton, and initiating fundraising activities. Our actions for 2006/2007 include:
- Design a logo for CDDA
- Produce a bi-weekly e-mail update and quarterly newsletter
- Develop and update a downtown website
- Develop short and long-term funding plan
If you are interested in becoming involved with CDDA, please call us at 553-1545.