The City of Douglas has received re-designation as a PlanFirst Community from Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The PlanFirst Program recognizes cities that excel in successfully implementing community planning by creating thriving places to live, work, and play.
“Although challenges occur in city planning, having this PlanFirst re-designation provides a competitive advantage, as well as, opportunities to leverage public and private partnerships,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “It’s about having a vision for tomorrow – we are planning for the next 50 years and this designation opens the doors for better funding.”
Douglas received its first PlanFirst Community designation in 2017 and was re-designated in 2020. In order to be eligible, communities must be a Qualified Local Government, have an approved and adopted Service Delivery Strategy, be current on all required reports to DCA, and have met minimum performance standards for their region as per its regional commission. Applicants are evaluated for community vision and goals; leadership; and participation in the development and successful implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Participation in the program lasts three years and communities are encouraged to apply for re-designation. Incentives for the designation include (but are not limited to) statewide recognition, the ability to apply annually for Community Development Block Grant funds, bonus points for specific DCA programs such as Redevelopment Fund or Employment Incentive Program or the Downtown Revolving Loan Fund, and hands-on assistance from DCA staff for the implementation of community work program activities.