- When was GDDA established?
- Why should I support GDDA?
- What are its service boundaries?
- How is the organization funded?
- How are Board members elected?
- What are the Regional Center’s most urgent needs?
- What is the Gresham Regional Center TMA?
- What events is GDDA involved with?
1. When was GDDA established?
The Gresham Downtown Development Association was founded in 1991 and was originally an organization of commercial property and business owners. In 1995 an Economic Improvement District was created. The organization’s by-laws changed its membership to commercial property owners in 1999 and the efforts of the organization became focused on the planning and management of development activities.
2. Why should I support GDDA?
GDDA’s work is focused on promoting the Regional Center as an exciting place to live, shop, and invest. GDDA not only works to improve the appearance of the Regional Center but to improve livability within the Regional Center.
In its management of the Gresham Regional Center Transportation Management Association (GRCTMA), GDDA works with employers, employees, and others to educate and increase awareness and strengthen the links between housing, employment, economic development, and transportation.
The bottom line, GDDA ‘s primary objective is to stimulate economic development by assisting property owners and persons conducting business within the Association area in the planning and management of development or improvement activities within the Regional Center and GDDA’s commitment to the community. Supporting GDDA is supporting the strength of a vibrant Regional Center.
3. What are its service boundaries?
The geographic area that GDDA serves includes two areas: The Historic Downtown and Civic Neighborhood. The first is bordered to the north by Division, to the south by Powell Boulevard, on the east by Linden Avenue and to the west by Eastman Parkway. Civic Neighborhood is bordered by Burnside Road to the north, Division to the south, Eastman Parkway to the east, and Wallula Avenue to the west.
4. How is the organization funded?
GDDA receives monies through three sources of funding.
- An Economic Improvement District (renewed every three years) assessed to property owners for approximately $42,000 annually.
- Metro funding to manage the Gresham Regional Center Transportation Management Association’s (TMA) for $50,500 annually.
- A contribution from the City of Gresham Council budget for $35,000 annually.
5. How are Board members elected?
Board members are elected at a general membership meeting held each year in December. As mid-term vacancies occur, the remaining Board of Directors shall vote in new members to complete the vacated position for the remainder of its original term.
6. What are the Regional Center’s most urgent needs?
Mixed use projects with higher density components to drive activity to the area. Example: A mixed used project could consist of ground floor commercial (retail or office space) with additional floors for housing or ground floor retail with additional floors of office space.
7. What is the Gresham Regional Center TMA?
TMA stands for Transportation Management Association. A TMA is an association of businesses, property owners, and government, which focus on identifying solutions to transportation issues within the Regional Center. Those issues are related to access, connectivity, parking, pedestrian accessibility and safety, and commute options. The Gresham Downtown Development Association is the managing association for this effort.
8. What events is GDDA involved with?
GDDA hosts an annual Spirit of Christmas event, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday season for the City of Gresham. Festive day and evening events are provided to the public at no charge.
GDDA proudly supports an Annual Art Walk, The Jazz Festival, The Rockin’ Round the Block Car Show, Olympic Bed races, the Gresham Farmers’ Market, Third Thursday, Gromfest, an annual Teddy Bear Parade, Safe Trick or Treat and Center for the Arts events.