Dalton will make DDDA executive director a city special events and community engagement coordinator

Dalton’s mayor and council voted Jan. 20 to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Downtown Dalton Development Authority (DDDA) that transitions the DDDA executive director from a leased employee to a city staff position titled special events and community engagement coordinator.

A city presenter said the change will terminate the existing lease arrangement and move the director under the supervision of the city administrator while allowing the director to continue representing DDDA interests. "She will be doing what she's doing for DDDA... but as well for the city as well," the presenter said.

According to staff, the coordinator will handle event planning and coordination for downtown, permitting for events, marketing and promotional materials, continuation of the Main Street program, assistance with façade grant programs and support for DDDA board management and annual reporting. The DDDA previously took the item up and voted to approve the agreement.

Council approved the intergovernmental agreement by voice vote, authorizing staff to implement the personnel change and associated coordination duties. City administrators will manage the position and return to council if additional policy decisions or funding changes are needed.