TIMELINE Long Term (More than four years)
Consider Contacting a Public Private Partnership Specialist
Using the powers granted to downtown development authorities, many Georgia cities, including Albany, have successfully utilized public–private partnerships to redevelop formerly vacant or underutilized downtown properties. Often, these complex deals are developed with the assistance of outside legal professionals specializing in “P3” transactions. If the demand exists locally for the Hawkinsville Downtown Development Authority to actively develop downtown property, local leaders could consider consulting a legal advisor with experience crafting successful public–private partnerships. LEAD: Ken Clark, Hawkinsville Downtown Development Authority PARTNERS: Hawkinsville–Pulaski County Economic Development, City of Hawkinsville POTENTIAL ACTION STEPS: 1. Identify a key project or site that could be developed. 2. Contact officials with the Albany DDA and other cities to learn from their experience acting as a developer. 3. Consult downtown development professionals at the Georgia Cities Foundation/Georgia Municipal Association. Seek advice and opinions about what it takes to be successful. 4. Research legal advisors and various P3 legal structures used by other entities. 5. If demand exists for the Pulaski County–Hawkinsville Development Authority to develop property, contact a P3 legal specialist. 6. Work with a legal advisor to draft the P3 framework. 7. Consult the city attorney. 8. If development is determined viable, move forward as a project developer.
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