A Multi-Faceted Approach
Whereas as comprehensive planning is a broader and often regulatory approach to city management, community development is generally targeted and more incentive-based approach.

To insure a quality city for residents, businesses, and visitors, the City of Madison support an array of community development strategies, initiatives, programs, and projects:

Community Tourism
The Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), operating as a division of the Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, guides the very successful community tourism effort.  The CVB employs a full-time director.  In addition to operating the Madison Welcome Center, the CVB coordinates all regional marketing initiatives and concentrates upon promoting Madison and Morgan County to both national and international visitors. Tourism has become Madison's leading economic engine and the supplemental dollars generated from a local hotel/motel tax are instrumental to local economic vitality and community development.
Madison CVB website

Downtown Development
The Downtown Development Authority of Madison contracts with a local non-profit, Downtown Design & Development, Inc. (3-D) to provide downtown services.  At present, the most significant program is the Downtown Façade Grant Program, offering façade grants to property owner and businesses to keep our Downtown looking great. More information on the DDA of Madison

Economic Development
The Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is the leading agency for attracting new business investment, assisting retention and expansion of existing businesses, and promoting Morgan County for destination meetings, tourism, and filming.  Madison taxpayers provide 65% of the funding necessary to employ an Economic Development Director.  The director seeks, assists, and provides information to potential developments seeking available site and buildings throughout Morgan County. Economic Development website

Madison Main Street
Madison was selected in 1984 to be among the earliest designated to participate in this national program.  To obtain and retain accredited as a National Main Street and a Georgia Main Street, the City of Madison employees a full-time Main Street Director to implement the 4-Point Approach in downtown.  Main Street supports cooperative efforts for a strong business core as well as downtown as a destination for community events and regional tourism.
Madison Main Street website 

Urban Renewal
A 20 year plan adopted by the City of Madison is in its infancy.  For more details on the URP