Mission

To foster an environment that encourages growth and development while enhancing the historic quality of the City and County Center.

Vision

All citizens of Rome and Floyd County will have a greater appreciation, repsect, and understanding for the historic city center. The central business district will be valued as a vibrant economic and cultural district and a vital contributor to the community's heritage and identity. The community will be better because of the partnerships, investments, and enhanced sense of place. Downtown will have an enriched quality of life in which to live, work and play.

Work Plan 2012

2012 Program of Work

Programs and Services

ORGANIZATION OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Meets on the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 am in the Carnegie Building.

Downtown Coffee Break

Downtown Coffee Break is a monthly networking opportunity, for business and property owners, at 8:30 AM on the last Friday of each month (except for November and December, due to holidays). In one brief hour, you will hear project updates and community information. You will also have fun, get to experience good food and have great fellowship. Mark your calendar now and remember to bring a friend. 

PROMOTION COMMITTEE

Meets on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 am in the Carnegie Building.

First Friday Concerts

First Friday Concetrs are FREE concerts taking place on the first Friday of each month starting in May and ending in September. The concerts are sponsored by the DDA, Radio Station Q102, and the Downtown Business Improvement District. This is a great opportunity for quality family entertainment in the heart of the City. The concerts are held rain or shine. Rain locations are sponsored by Q102, Hometown Headlines, and Rome News Tribune. Remember your lawn chairs and blankets, as bleacher seating is limited. For detailed information and a schedule, please view the First Friday Concerts Brochure or contact our office at 706-236-4520  **NEW FOR 2012...September First Friday Concert to be held on 200 Block of Broad Street!!**

DESIGN COMMITTEE

Meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 8:30 am in the Carnegie Building

Facade Reimbursement Program

This program provides reimbursement opportunities for renovations performed on the exterior facade of buildings located in the downtown area. The project must comply with the Historic Downtown Rome Design Guidelines and the U.S. Department of the Interior Standards. Copies of the standards and guidelines are available at our office. Once the approved project has been completed, in compliance with all the requirements, you will be reimbursed for the apporved amount. Currently, you can receive reimbursement for one-third (up to $1,000) of your total project cost. You must spend a minimum of $1,500 to be eligible. Facade Reimbursement Application

Sidewalk Cafe Permit

The Sidewalk Cafe Permit should be obtained by restaurants wishing to offer an outside area of food service that is connected with, a part of, and adjacent to an indoor restaurant or cafe located in the city. Eligible restaurants that would like to establish a sidewalk cafe must obtain a sidewalk cafe permit prior to operation in the public right-of-way. The cafe operator shall meet all conditions and requirements for a sidewalk cafe permit at all times. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 706-236-4520.

Historic Plaque Program

The DDA, partnered with Rome Heritage Foundation, Rome Area History Museum, and Rome Business Improvement District, have created a program that identifies the original use and date of construction of properties within the central business district of Rome.Throughout the process, buildings will be identified and owners will be solicited to purchase a plaque. Owners will be offered a 50% grant for participating. The matching grant will be provided by The Rome Area Heritage Foundation and the Rome Business Improvement District. Please join the walk thru time, and honor the history of your property by purchasing a plaque. Historic Plaque Program Application

Rome's Green Bikes

The Downtown Development office is just one location that you can rent a green bike to ride around town. Rome offers miles of trails that parallel Rome's rivers and beautiful historic district. You can park your car and enjoy a unique dining experience, go shopping, and see historic Rome from the best seat in town. Rental locations include: Rome Visitor Center 800-444-1834, Rome Downtown Development 706-236-4520, Hawthorne Suites (guests ride free) 706-378-4837, and YMCA (members ride free) 706-232-2468

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Meets as needed in the Carnegie Building

Georgia Cities Foundation Revolving Loan Fund

DDA administers a loan pool sponsored by the Georgia Cities Foundation. The Foundation's purpose is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects in the form of a revolving loan fund (RLF). Currently, the Foundation provides loans up to $250,000 with a usual repayment period of 10 years, not to exceed 15 years. Eligible projects include: real estate acquisition, building rehabilitation, new construction, and green space and parks. The foundation was established in 1999 as a non-profit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). For more detailed information, please view the information listed on Georgia Cities Foundation RLF or contact our office at 706-236-4520

Georgia Department of Community Affairs Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF)

DDA administers a loan pool that is sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). DCA's purpose is to assist cities, counties, and development authorities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by providing financial assistance at below market rates in the form of a revolving loan fund (RLF). The loan amount limits will generally be set at no more than $250,000 per project. The repayment period is typically 10 years with a 15 year amortization. For more detailed information on eligible and ineligible uses, please visit  DD RLF Brochure or contact our office at 706-236-4520

Rome Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

The Rome RLF is a local fund whose goal is to expand economic opportunities for persons of low income in the City of Rome by providing funding at the local level. Rome's RLF objective is to provide loan funds to local small businesses from public resources. Additionally, Rome's RLF hopes to create public-private partnerships with local commercial banks and other private sector lenders and investors. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of two national objectives: 1) benefiting low income persons; 2) preventing or eliminating slums or blight. For detailed information, please read the Rome RLF Policies and Procedures. For any additional information, please contact our office at 706-236-4520 RLF Application