Downtown Development Authority seeks $2.5 million in SPLOST 9 to sustain Broad Street TIA and small-business programs

The Downtown Development Authority requested $2,500,000 in SPLOST 9 funding to support downtown projects and mitigation during upcoming construction on the Broad Street Transportation Improvement Area (TIA).

The request is intended to fund a flexible project pool downtown leaders can use for appearance, economic development and to support small businesses during construction disruptions.

Margaret Woodard, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, summarized past SPLAS (SPLOST) investments — kiosks on Broad Street and at Freedom Bridge, gateway arches, Freedom Bridge Wi‑Fi, marina furniture, a sidewalk completed near King Mill in partnership with the city, and matching funds on James Brown Boulevard — then described Accelerate Augusta, a small-business training and resource center at 600 Broad Street. Woodard said the city leased the building to the DDA for 20 years and that the DDA and city contributed roofing and renovation funds; she said Accelerate Augusta is on budget and expected to open in August or early September.

Woodard said the DDA’s $2,500,000 request for SPLOST 9 is intentionally nonspecific to allow the authority flexibility to respond to opportunities that promote economic growth downtown, including promotion campaigns and temporary measures to offset foot-traffic losses during the Broad Street TIA construction. She flagged the Jones Street Alley project and a potential 2,000-seat outdoor concert venue at Monument and Broad Streets as upcoming developments that could intersect with SPLOST-funded improvements.

No formal vote was taken; the presentation was informational. Commissioners thanked the DDA for prior work and for partnerships with the city. Woodard said the DDA has repeatedly used prior SPLOST allocations for small-scale, high-visibility improvements and partnership projects.