Training and Professional Development

Economic Development Training

We offer economic development professionals, development authority and downtown development authority board members, chambers of commerce, and government officials across Georgia training courses that focus on the latest strategies and best practices in the field.

 

OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAMS

Development Authority Training -Basic

Effective economic development efforts are built on a solid foundation of financial resources for marketing a community and offering incentives for investment. Through Development Authority Training, board members and elected officials gain insights into the roles and responsibilities of boards and their contributions to advancing local economic development. The basic training provides the statutorily mandated training required for all development authority board members.

Development Authority Training -Advanced

Advanced Development Authority training provides in-depth instruction on how to secure the resources and incentives needed to market your community and close the deal. Building on knowledge provided by basic training, this course allows board members, elected officials and economic development professionals to refine their skills and create a plan of action for their community.

Downtown Development Authorities

Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) and their appointed boards are created to revitalize and redevelop central business districts of cities in Georgia. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) training provides local leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to ensure a healthy, vibrant downtown.

Regional Industrial Development Authority Training

Communities and regions benefit when stakeholders collaborate to leverage opportunities and relationships. Participants will explore roles and responsibilities for serving on a regional industrial development authority board, the powers of regional industrial development authorities, and legal and ethical rules and requirements.

 

Destination Leadership – Fundamentals of Tourism

The Destination Leadership program, created in partnership with the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GA CVB), offers tourism education and training for city and county elected officials and staff.

 

Signature Offering

Woman reading through GCED class materials

Georgia Certified Economic Developer (GCED)

The Georgia Certified Economic Developer (GCED) program, created in partnership with the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), offers economic development professionals Georgia-specific training on practical topics that can be immediately applied in their communities to achieve economic success.

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Certified Downtown Professional

The Certified Downtown Professional program, created and developed in partnership with the Georgia Downtown Association and Georgia Power, provides downtown professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively and responsibly foster growth, development, revitalization, and preservation of downtown districts.

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Digital Edition

Economic Development Handbook for Georgia's Rural Communities

 

RELATED PROGRAMS

CPM stole on back of chair during CPM graduation

Certified Public Manager (CPM)

CPM offers professional development and recognized national certification for public managers working in various areas of public institutions and government.


Public Finance Leadership Academy (PFLA)

The PFLA program combines the latest accounting practices and insight from industry professionals to expand on the institute’s Level I and Level II Finance Officer Certification programs.


Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute is a series of voluntary training programs for mayors, council members and managers. Classes are designed to enhance their knowledge and skills as municipal officials.