Planning Department 
Downtown/Riverfront Redevelopment Authority
In June 2004 the City Council passed a resolution reactivating the Downtown/Riverfront Redevelopment Authority.
WHAT IS THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY?
The Redevelopment Authority is a separate board empowered to carry out downtown and riverfront redevelopment projects through economic incentives, blight elimination, slum clearance, and urban renewal programs and projects.
A redevelopment authority is an independent public body, authorized under State Statute, and created by a municipality. The purpose of the authority includes the elimination and prevention of substandard, deteriorated, slum, and blighted areas or properties that are not in productive use, and by encouragement of urban renewal programs and economic development initiatives.
HOW MANY PERSONS SERVE ON THE AUTHORITY BOARD?
WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THEIR TERMS?
The board consisting of nine Board of Directors appointed by the Council, which governs the Redevelopment Authority. The initial appointees were appointed for staggered terms as follows:
| 6 Year Terms | 4 Year Terms | 2 Year Terms |
| Ralph Jones | Melissa Craig | Fred Abernathy |
| Pam Swanner | Rick Paler | Em Barran |
| Murphy Brown | John Thornton | Fred Underwood |
WHAT POWERS DOES IT HAVE?
The Redevelopment Authority has the power to acquire property through acquisition, lease, or donation. It can prepare property for development, lease, or sell property that it owns. The Authority can also apply for loans, grants, or contributions. While the RDA has the statutory authority to issue debt, the debt must be backed by either a RDA revenue source or by General Fund obligation. The Redevelopment Authority cannot develop public or subsidized housing or use the powers of eminent domain other than through the City of Decatur.
In brief the Authority has the power to:
- Plan and carry out urban renewal projects
- Enter into contracts
- Buy or acquire real or personal property
- Borrow money and issue bonds
- Improve, lease, and sell property
- Invest excess funds
HOW IS THE RDA GOVERNED?
The current Executive Committee Members and Officers:
Chairman- John Thornton
Vice Chair- Rick Paler
Secretary- Pam Swanner
Treasurer- Melissa Craig
HOW ARE RDA PROJECTS FUNDED?
Funding will utilize both revenue bonds and Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) within the Downtown/ Riverfront Redevelopment Area. Public projects are to be funded through a bond program under the TIF, consistent with those concepts, specific projects and sites identified within the Envision Decatur Plan. (8MB PowerPoint File)
WHO APPROVES ITS OPERATING PLAN?
The Redevelopment Authority must first hold a public hearing on any operating plan indicating a designated area and project. Then the plan is submitted to the City Council for approval.
WHAT ARE THE EXISTING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS?
As yet, no specific projects or project areas have been defined.
WHEN ARE THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS HELD?
*Meetings are to be held every two weeks at the Decatur/Morgan County Chamber of Commerce offices initially, or as needed.
