City of Douglasville Annual Report 2023

IN PICTURE

DOUGLASVILLE ANNUAL REPORT RIDDLES

Mayor’s Message

Welcome ever yone!

The City of Douglasville has been so busy this past year, and there have been so many things “I SPY” popping up around the city!

I spy...

a brand-new Douglasville Town Green and GreyStone Amphitheater in Downtown Douglasville! I still can’t believe we were able to open this new park with legends like Gladys Knight, Boney James, and LeAnn Rimes!

I spy...

the Parks and Recreation Department is a Gold Medal Finalist by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association! I am so proud of our award-winning parks and how they continue to provide the best for our community!

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$25 million dollars of renovations and improvements at Jessie Davis Park, inclusive of a new swimming pool! I can’t wait for the park to reopen in 2024 and for the community to enjoy all of the new amenities it has to offer.

I spy...

the city being named a healthiest employer by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. We continue to be one of the best local government employers in the state, due to the benefts and wellness opportunities that we provide to our employees, and the city receiving designations of a City of Ethics and City of Civility from the Georgia Municipal Association.

I spy...

the city being named “Large Business of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce.

This is just a small sample of the many wonderful things that have been happening in and around our city. I hope that as you read through the rest of this report, you can SPY all the wonderful things that we have to offer!

Make sure you read our farewell to Councilman Mark Adams who retired from public offce at the end of 2023. It was truly an honor to serve with him for so many years and to have his honesty, commitment, and wisdom on our council. Then learn all about our newest Councilmember, Elena Hudson, our young “super star”! I am thrilled to work with her and all the other dedicated council members as we strive to best serve you, our constituents.

Thank you for your continued support and for calling the City of Douglasville your home. I SPY that Life Happens Here and we continue to build our city of champions!

Let’s play! On every spread of the Annual Report there will be an I Spy Challenge.

Visit www.douglasvillega.gov/ispy to enter your I Spy puzzle answers and win free city swag!

Farewell & Welcome

After nearly 12 years, Councilman Mark Adams retired from his post as a Douglasville City Councilmember. As he embarks on a new chapter, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated service on the Douglasville City Council. His unwavering commitment to the community has left an indelible mark on the city, and his tireless efforts have signifcantly contributed to its growth and prosperity.

Throughout his tenure, he has exemplifed leadership, integrity, and a genuine passion for improving the lives of those he served. As we bid farewell, his legacy will continue to inspire us all. We wish him the best in his future endeavors and hope that it is full of doing what he loves most- spending time with his family. May the next chapter of your life be flled with success, joy, and fulfllment.

Thank you, Councilman Mark Adams, for your outstanding service to the City of Douglasville.

Terry S. Miller Mayor Pro Tem, Ward 1

Dr. LaShun Burr Danley Ward 3, Post 1

Samuel Davis Ward 3, Post 2

Farewell, Mark Adams.

I spy Councilwoman Elena Hudson in a unique frame...

How many of those unique frames can you spot in this spread?

Welcome, Elena Hudson.

In November 2023, a new City Council member was elected to the Douglasville City Council and sworn in January 2024. It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we extend a warm welcome to Councilwoman Elena Hudson, our newest City Councilmember serving Ward 2 Post 2. We are thrilled she has stepped into local government and look forward to how she’ll continue to encourage public engagement and participation.

Her background and expertise as a small business owner and former Chair of the Downtown Development Authority bring a valuable perspective to the City Council and we are confdent that her contributions will further enhance the prosperity and well-being of Douglasville. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact her leadership will undoubtedly have on our city.

Once again, welcome to the Douglasville City Council, Councilwoman Hudson. We are honored to have you on board and look forward to a successful and collaborative tenure.

Chris “Coach” Watts Ward 4

Elena Hudson Ward 2, Post 2

Howard M. Estes Ward 5

Nycole N. Miller Ward 2, Post 1

City Awards & Achievements

I spy gold stars, marking the city’s achievements...

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GRPA District 5 Agency of the Year & NRPA Gold Medal Finalist

Douglasville Parks & Recreation

Phyllis Goodwin AwardAgency of the Year

Douglasville Police Department

Governor’s Circle Recognition

Keep Douglasville Beautiful

Healthiest Employer Award

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Government Finance Oficers Association

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

GMA Visionary Cities Award

Large City-Population Over 25,000 Category

Savvy Award

Best Education Video for Douglasville Jr. Video Series

GreyStone Amphitheater

I spy instruments playing in GreyStone Ampitheather...

How many different instruments can you spot in this spread?

at the Douglasville Town Green.

The GreyStone Amphitheater is an outdoor venue designed to accommodate over 2,500 people for entertainment and events. Located at 6840 Church Street, Douglasville, GA 30134, its openair design provides for a unique and memorable experience, whether you’re performing or soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator.

With exciting amenities including a splash pad, boulder area and event space, the Douglasville Town Green encourages people to gather with old friends and make new ones.

Three sensational artists kicked off the grand opening of the long-awaited venue. The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, four-time grammy nominated saxophonist Boney James and country music superstar LeAnn Rimes.

When not in use for concerts and events the Douglasville Town Green is open as a public park, featuring play areas and ample green space enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

FY ‘23 Budget

I spy a thoughtfully allocated annual budget...

How many full or partial US pennies can you spot on this spread?

Male Population

Female Population

Veteran Population

Days to Fill Job

New Hires

(To include seasonal new hires)

Police Department

Chief Gary Sparks’ policing philosophy can best be summed up with the phrase, “One with our community”. The doctrine of procedural justice is at the heart the department’s efforts toward community outreach and engagement. Procedural justice simply means that by treating all citizens fairly and with impartiality, the department will continue to garner the trust of the community which will in turn make our agency more effective.

One way the department works toward procedural justice is by attracting a diverse and well-trained workforce. The department’s training is designed to emphasize core values such as integrity, compassion, obedience to policy and laws, and respecting the dignity of all.

The Douglasville Police Department was selected as “Agency of the Year” in 2022 by the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates, while at the same time Chief Gary Sparks was selected as the “Member of the Year”. Chief Sparks and the department were recognized for outstanding contributions to community outreach, including programs such as the long-running Youth Against Violence, West Georgia Information Sharing meetings, and the Douglasville Police Youth Basketball League. Additionally, the department hosts numerous festivals, car shows, and family friendly events at both police headquarters and in neighborhoods throughout the community.

If you want to be part of a police department where you can impact your community, you should join our team. The Douglasville Police Department offers many benefts and incentives making it an attractive place to work. The starting salary for a certifed offcer was recently increased to $51,032 annually. In addition, the Department provides:

• Take-home vehicle program

• On-duty workouts in well-equipped ftness center

• Excellent individual equipment and facilities

• Advanced technology

• Tuition reimbursement

• Paid POAB dues

• Specialized units and opportunities for advancement

• Advanced training

• Community-oriented philosophy that resonates throughout the ranks

Anyone looking to get into law enforcement should look at the Douglasville Police Department.

Applications can be found online on the City of Douglasville’s website: www.douglasvillega.gov/jobs

Each year, the Douglasville Police Department compiles agency data summarizing activities and crime statistics. For the last two years, the Department made:

I spy speed limit signs that help keep our city safe...

What number do all of the speed limits on the signs add up to?

Each year the Department also compiles total numbers of major crimes reported in the city limits. For the last three years, the major crimes reported to the Douglasville Police Department were as follows:

Community Development

Land Development

The city has experienced a large level of development over the last year.

The Microsoft Data Center began development on last year with Phase 1 of 5 phases. It will consist of 5 structures being developed over the next 5 years.

Jessie Davis Park New improvements are underway and include a football feld, pool, pavilions, updates to exterior of Alice Hawthorne building and parking enhancements.

The Reserve at Douglasville serves as a new 320-unit apartment complex development on Dallas Hwy. It is now complete and operating.

How many keys can you spot in this spread?

There are three new senior living developments underway. Two are located near Durelee and one is located along Stewart Parkway.

Home Chef began their project in 2022. Home Chef is a fresh meal kit creator and is located on Skyview Drive. The business is complete and operating.

Information regarding the current land development being monitored and approved by the City of Douglasville can be found at: www.douglasvillega.gov

I spy new apartments for lease on Dallas Hwy...

Planning & Zoning

Currently, the city is updating its 20-year Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year policy guide that assesses current conditions, projects future trends, develops strategies and goals, and creates a work program to achieve these goals. According to the Georgia Planning Act, these plans must be updated every fve years.

The city’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted prior to the state deadline of October 31, 2023. With the adoption of the Plan, the city will further its long-range vision for physical development and future growth.

The city has seen an increase in zoning activities. Since reporting on last year, the city has seen a substantial increase in Rezoning and Final Plat applications. Along those lines, the city received:

Economic Development

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing economic growth and prosperity in the New Horizons Community, our economic development team has been diligently working over the past two months. With the invaluable support of our dedicated partners, Economic Development has accomplished several crucial milestones and are pleased to share the following updates:

Surveyed New Horizon’s Community for Economic Development Sites and Researched Demographic Data:

Through meticulous research and on-the-ground assessments, Economic Development (ED) has identifed potential economic development sites in the northern region of Douglasville. Our datadriven approach involved analyzing demographic information to ensure that these sites align with the needs and preferences of the local population.

I spy data and detailed reporting sheets...

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Began Recruitment Eforts for Target Industries Based on Past Reports:

Building on insights from previous reports, the Economic Development department has initiated targeted efforts to attract industries that align with the region’s strengths and growth potential. By focusing on sectors that have demonstrated promise in the past, our aim is to foster long-term sustainable growth for the city.

Assessed Past Reports and Brainstormed New Goals and Approaches:

In our quest for continuous improvement, ED has thoroughly assessed past reports to understand both successes and areas for improvement. By combining this retrospective analysis with innovative thinking, ED have developed new goals and approaches to address any unfulflled objectives and better position Douglasville for future prosperity.

Continued Support for Main Street Activities:

Lastly, Main Street Douglasville remains the heart and soul of our vibrant community. To preserve its unique charm and foster economic vitality, ED has consistently supported various activities and events

New Businesses to Downtown Douglasville in 2023

HATRIMONY

that showcase local businesses and cultural richness. Our food truck Monday events and Popup shops have driven attention and foot traffc. As the department positions our Main Street program to continue to elevate, ED hopes to combine our traditional campaigns with improved data and information technological techniques.

DC BLOX Data Center:

DC BLOX, a leading provider of connected data centers and dark fber solutions across the Southeast, announced the recent purchase and commencement of construction of a cutting-edge data center campus in Douglasville, Georgia. With this strategic move, DC BLOX is set to expand their data center portfolio in close proximity to Atlanta, expanding the region’s explosive growth as a core data center market and addressing the growing needs of hyperscale and AI/ML platform and application provider tenants in the heart of the region’s data center alley.

BLACK BOX FLORIST AND THINGS

MAIN STREET COWORKING FLO

HERMANA’S ITALIAN ICE

BE BEAUTIFULLY TRUE BOUTIQUE

THE BROOKMAN GROUP

2023 Main Street

Douglasville Events

SMALL BUSINESS BINGO

PAINTING PUMPKINS ON MAIN STREET

RESTAURANT WEEK

POP-UP SHOPS

FOOD TRUCK MONDAYS

With an expected capital investment of over $1.2 billion, Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership and the City of Douglasville Development Authority were integral in bringing this project to Douglasville.

Conference Center & Tourism

The mission of the Conference Center and Tourism Department is to promote and enhance the economic growth of the community by attracting visitors, conventions and meetings to Douglasville, Georgia. The goal is to solicit overnight stays, while providing exceptional service, and creating memorable experiences. The department works closely with local businesses, organizations, and regional leaders to create an economic impact through tourism dollars and showcase the unique and diverse offerings of Douglasville as a tourist destination.

I spy people making sweet memories in Douglasville...

How many lollipops and gummy bears can you spot in this spread?

Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB):

INITIATIVES

• New marketing campaign (Visit Douglasville à Discover Douglasville)

• Renewed Benchmark of Excellence Certifcation from Georgia Convention & Visitors Bureau (GACVB)

• Extended Welcome Center hours for special events (Christmas Parade, Wednesday Wind Down)

• Social media spotlights of local businesses

• Public art initiative – Welcome Center window art

HIGHLIGHTS

Conference Center:

NEW ORGANIZATIONS

• Precision Blasting

• Citizens and Trust Bank

• Georgia Department of Care and Early Learning

• 1,200+ Visitors

• Filled 1,700 requests including Reunion/Wedding/ Welcome Bags, Relocation Packets, and additional information on Douglasville.

• Ad in GA State Parks Guide.

• Partnered with Main Street on Halloween for the Teal Pumpkin Project at the Welcome Center to serve as a sensory-inclusive and allergy-sensitive Trick-or-Treat location downtown.

• Visitors generated 20.8 million in state and local taxes which is equivalent to $418 in tax savings for every household.

• 4.1% is the share of jobs directly sustained by visitor spending in the county.

• Total visitor spending was 266.5 million, a year over year increase of 28%.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

• Parks Reunion Tour

• Stranger Things Block Party

• Behind the Veil Bridal Showcase

• National Travel and Tourism Week

Recognition for the 2023 Spirit & Partner of the Year Award

Follow us on social media:

Tik Tok/Facebook: Discover Douglasville

Instagram: @discoverdouglasvillega

• Aglow Southeast Region International Conference

• CEI DBE Supportive Services

RETURNING ORGANIZATIONS

• Printpack

• MH Miles

• Junior League of Douglas County

• Sterling Jewelers

• Regions Bank

• Dunlap Gardiner, LLP

• University of West Georgia Douglasville Campus

EVENTS QUANTIFIED

• 21 Weddings

• 14 Birthday parties

• 4 – 2-day Conferences

• 5 Gala’s

• 5 – 8th grade dances

• 4 ROTC Balls

• 7 Sports/cheerleading/band banquets

Community Relations

Imagine a community where the citizens are directly involved and have a say in the plans and dreams they hope to see in their city. I spy that city as a reality- it’s the City of Douglasville!

Suffce it to say there are multiple ways to be an active citizen. The most direct way to be involved in the community is by serving on one of the numerous boards and commissions that the city operates. There is truly something for everyone- the Keep Douglasville Beautiful board, Public Art Commission, Historic Preservation Board, and countless others. By serving in this capacity, citizens can have a say in the things they hope to spy in our community.

Panicked about your trash not being picked up? The Community Relations department has implemented a brand-new texting feature so that citizens can alert the city to any issues they see or to fnd out information about any city events, programs, or questions.

You can fnd this feature, “Text My Gov”, on the city’s website. From there you’ll be able to use your phone to send a text about anything related to the city. Within 24 hours, you should receive a response!

I spy the Community Relations Department’s letter game...

With all of the letters, what is the one number in this spread?

Another great way to get involved is through the city’s Faith-based Group. This group provides a way for religious leaders and religious nonprofts to gather and discuss issues in the city.

Connecting with the city has never been easier. And now, we have the chance to put our citizens on the front lines of service.

Identifying other opportunities to connect with citizens, we have started a brand-new volunteer group. The goal of this group is to have citizens active at city events throughout the year, showing a smiling face and helping make our events the best for the community.

To join the volunteer group, you must frst complete the Dose of Douglasville Citizens Academy, offered by the City Manager’s Offce.

You can fnd out about all the ways to connect with the city at our website: www.douglasvilleGA.gov/volunteer

The Community Relations Department is a creative group, so before going to the next page, go back and see if you can “spy” what the frst letter of each paragraph is spelling out!

Public Services

“The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.”

Elbert Hubbard

The City of Douglasville Public Service Department has been experiencing staffng shortages for over a year but continued to successfully provide essential services and support to the City, the residents and the businesses within our community. The teamwork, coordination and dedication from all employees ensured an effcient framework of operations that the City can be proud of.

Public Services Facilities Update

Public Services Facilities has added 2 new employees to the department this year and has continued to focus primarily on preventative maintenance of the 23 city owned structures that are currently under Public Services responsibility. The team has also completed over 174 facility maintenance workorder requests, in addition to the ongoing general maintenance and inspections conducted each year.

I spy city infrastructure and safety updates...

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Streets Update

While the City streets department was still understaffed during much of the past year, the team continued to successfully oversee and maintain over 140 miles of roads. Generally, this includes pothole repairs, pavement markings, resurfacing, sidewalk and curb maintenance, street sweeping, mowing and trimming, street sign fabrication and maintenance, storm debris cleanup and emergency assistance, right-of-way permits and even special event support.

The Public Services Department supervised the 2023 LMIG road resurfacing contract which encompassed 24 streets for a total of 5.21 miles.

Sanitation Update

Residential sanitation provides curbside, sanitation services to over 9860 residents, up from approximately 9500 last year, in our community. Residential sanitation has experienced an increase in customers as our community continues to see an increase in new home construction. Residential sanitation crews collected over 12,243.10 tons of solid waste and yard waste in 2406 loads to

the transfer stations. Our crews completed over 289 residential and 42 commercial special pickups.

Commercial sanitation provides roll off services to approximately 135 commercial customers and 745 front load commercial customers. Our team of commercial, roll off drivers made over 4900 hauls containing 20,545.87 tons of solid waste, construction, and demolition materials. While the frontload services are currently outsourced, the data integrity, customer services and scheduling are handled in-house by Public Services.

Fleet Update

The Public Services Fleet department has received 11 new light and heavy-duty vehicles and is awaiting the delivery of 4 more trucks. The two man feet team completed 418 workorders with only 14 of those being labor subletsmeaning our team completed 96% of the vehicle repair and maintenance work last fscal year in house.

Parks & Recreation

Parks and Recreation introduced a new slogan: Fun Happens Here! Whether seeking activities for families, individuals, seniors, or youth, we have designed a community frst approach in identifying needs and resources. 88% of the 10 Year Parks Master Plan, adopted in 2018, is completed and a new Master Plan is underway.

$53,500 in grant funds under the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network allowed for Parks and Recreation to provide weekly afterschool services for a local neighborhood, servicing over 25 kids daily. Programs also included weekly classes on healthy snacking, youth leadership, emotional health, and youth ftness, free of charge. $2,000 awarded from USTA Southern Board of Directors and the Parks Task Forces to engage new and returning players to the sport of tennis.

Over 75 program and event options year-round. New 50+ programs and events, servicing over 600 seniors throughout the year. Girls’ sports have increased by 200% in participation with fall and

spring volleyball and softball. This has created an increase in revenue to over $11,000 within the athletics division. This was the inaugural year for adaptive basketball and breakout year for League of Stars, servicing over 80 youth and adults with disabilities in sports and recreational activities. Under the Dare to Play Scholarship program, a total of $9,697.50 have been provided for youth and teens to participate in athletic and recreational programs.

New ADA Accessible Playgrounds

$750,000 in playground renovations at Fowler Field and Hunter Park. Each playground provides accessibility with Poured-in-Place Surfacing, canopies and play features for sensory and wheelchair usage.

I spy healthy meals being consumed by the community...

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Health & Environmental Sustainability

Creating working plans and initiatives are the roadmap in a successful Parks and Recreation department. Parks implemented a new Healthy Futures Initiative to remove the fnancial or access barriers for healthy living. Partnerships

with Cobb & Douglas Public Health and local organizations to provide free produce, educational sessions, ftness classes and healthy cooking classes for youth have helped Douglasville residents improve their overall health. The Environmental Sustainability Strategy led to discussions with building additional trails and walking tracks within our parks, planting over 230 trees within the past three years to reduce the effects of heat islands and begin a departmental BioBlitz group to identify the species specifc to our community.

West Pines Golf Club

Golf play continues to increase with this year’s total rounds of 31,803, a 10% increase over the past fscal year. A new record setting year for revenue - $1.45 million dollars with the following breakdown.

Driving Range - $97,715 (new record)

Merchandise - $123,894 (new record)

Memberships - $118,940 (new record)

We also introduced a ladies’ golf clinic to teach the game and encourage a more social and engaging environment for nontraditional golfers, which received overwhelming participation.

Jessie Davis Park

several exciting additions, such as a new gymnasium that will complement the existing one, a community center offering additional programs and rental spaces, a brand-new senior center, a synthetic turf football feld, new pavilions, an updated playground, and a zero-entry swimming pool with delightful splash features. Anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2024, the park’s grand opening promises to be a momentous event for the community.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments

The construction of Jessie Davis Park is currently in progress. This $25 million park project encompasses

Parks and Recreation was recognized as the 2022 Agency of the Year at the Georgia Recreation and Park Association conference in November of 2022 and is a 2023 Gold Medal Finalist, which is the highest recognition for any park in the nation. These honors serve as a testament to the department’s exceptional commitment and excellence in the feld of recreational services.

How did you do?

We hope you’ve enjoyed the City of Douglasville’s game of I Spy, and we’ve got a little gift for you. Visit www.douglasvillega.gov/ispy to enter your I Spy puzzle answers and win free city swag!