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What is a DDA?
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Lilburn, Georgia, plays a pivotal role in the city’s efforts to revitalize and sustain the economic and cultural vibrancy of Old Town Lilburn.
In summary, the Lilburn Downtown Development Authority serves as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, leveraging its unique powers to foster economic growth, manage redevelopment projects, and maintain the cultural heritage of Old Town Lilburn.
Purpose & Function
The Lilburn DDA is a seven-member board appointed by the City Council. It serves as an advocate and advisor to the Mayor and Council on matters related to economic growth and development in downtown Lilburn. The DDA actively partners in the city’s revitalization efforts, aiming to maintain the small-town character of the district while supporting values that make Lilburn a great place to live, work, play, invest, and do business.
Key Activities & Projects
The DDA has been instrumental in several significant projects:
- First and Main Project: The DDA assembled five parcels at the southwest corner of First Avenue and Main Street over a decade, totaling 2.61 acres. Plans are underway for a mixed-use development featuring retail spaces fronting Main Street and residential units along Velva Way. A partnership has been established with Vision Home Crafters for site development.
- Railroad Avenue Transformation: In collaboration with RangeWater Real Estate, the DDA is transforming a former industrial site on Railroad Avenue. The project aims to introduce new economic development opportunities, housing choices, sustainable infrastructure, and connected public spaces to Old Town Lilburn.
- Tax Allocation District (TAD) Management: The DDA has been designated as the city’s redevelopment agency for managing funds within the Tax Allocation District. This includes depositing and disbursing monies from the special revenue fund established for the TAD, specifically for the design and construction of a parking deck with approximately 700 parking spaces on Railroad Avenue.
Legal Authority & Powers
Under Georgia law, city governments cannot directly buy and sell property for development purposes. To navigate this, the DDA was established as an authority empowered to buy, sell, and develop properties within a defined geographic area. This structure enables the DDA to assemble parcels for larger projects and promote optimal land use in targeted areas.
Community Engagement
The DDA also collaborates with local organizations to enhance community spaces. For instance, it partnered with the GFWC Lilburn Woman’s Club and the City of Lilburn to dedicate the ‘Adventure Mountain’ statue in Lilburn City Park, reflecting a shared vision to enrich public spaces.
DDA Members
Amy Valdez Barker
Amy Valdez Barker has been a resident of Lilburn since 2017, when she and her family relocated to the area from Chicago. She and her family opened a small business in Lilburn in 2020, during the pandemic, called "Citizen Exchange," which featured local artists and focused on community engagement. During that time, she fell in love with Old Town Lilburn and has since been dedicated to finding ways to bring the community together through the Nonprofit organization that was born out of "Citizen Exchange," called "CX-Creative Spaces." This non-profit is devoted to being “a place to bring the arts, culture, and community together through events and experiences that cultivate creativity and inspire hope!” CX-Creative Spaces is the home organization for Old Town Players and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, along with other fun cultural experiments that seek to inspire hope. She currently runs her consulting business from her home office in the Nantucket Neighborhood and continues to be passionate about supporting the development of Old Town Lilburn as a destination for arts, culture, and community for all.
Scott MeCredy
Scott Mecredy is a proud Lilburn resident who, along with his family, made the city home in 2012. A passionate entrepreneur and music lover, Scott opened Music On Main Street on August 22, 2011—Lilburn’s only location, which has become a beloved hub for creativity and community.
Before launching his business, Scott began his career in technology in 1998 by founding his own web development company. He later served as a Director at EarthLink, where he led initiatives in Streaming, Music Technology, and Security Software, working with teams and clients across the country.
Inspired by long-serving City Councilman and DDA Member Eddie Price, Scott felt called to give back to the community that welcomed him. Today, he takes great pride in being part of a team that is dedicated to making Lilburn the best it can be.
Tom Mills
Tom Mills has called Lilburn home since 2017 and has proudly served on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) since 2020. A storyteller at heart, Tom is a seasoned video producer and content creator whose work supports both ministry organizations and Atlanta’s growing sustainability movement.
Driven by a deep desire to leave the planet better than he found it, Tom uses his creative talents to make sustainable living accessible, engaging, and even fun. Through his YouTube channel, GreenShortz—named for the short, practical format of his videos and the “z” that signals a fresh take—Tom delivers easy-to-follow tips for greener living.
Beyond the camera and the cause, Tom is a devoted husband to Cortney and proud father of two adult children. He’s also a loyal Atlanta United fan through thick and thin and still laces up for recreational soccer games.
Through his creativity, passion, and service, Tom Mills brings energy and vision to every endeavor—helping build a Lilburn (and a world) that’s just a little greener and a whole lot better.
Mark DeArmon
Mark DeArmon has spent nearly his entire life in Lilburn, beginning with his early education at Camp Creek Elementary. He grew up in Hanarry Estates, and over the years, Lilburn has remained the backdrop for every chapter of his life—from school days to marriage and raising a family. He considers it a blessing to have had such deep roots in the community.
Mark is passionate about Lilburn and appreciates the rich cultural diversity that defines the city, often finding inspiration in the vibrant atmosphere of Lilburn City Park. His connection to Old Town Lilburn began more than 15 years ago during a chance conversation with Eddie Price. That moment sparked a lasting enthusiasm for the vision of Old Town as a thriving destination—an enthusiasm that still drives him today.
As a member of the Downtown Development Authority, Mark brings that same passion to every meeting, discussion, and decision. He is committed to supporting the continued growth and vibrancy of the community he proudly calls home.
Joe Nocera
Joe Nocera has served on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) since 2020, playing an active role in supporting the growth and vitality of Old Town. With a background in leadership and a strong focus on collaboration, Joe brings a passion for building partnerships and turning great ideas into meaningful results. He values the opportunity to work alongside others who care deeply about the community and finds it rewarding to contribute to the continued momentum in Old Town. Outside of his work with the DDA, Joe enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
Hugh Wilkerson
Hugh Wilkerson has been part of the Lilburn story since 1967, when he moved to the city after being born in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1994, he opened Antiques in Old Town, which is now celebrating 31 years in a historic 125-year-old building, once the heart of early Lilburn. His shop not only offers timeless treasures but serves as a living link to the city’s past.
With a deep passion for local history, Hugh became known as Lilburn’s “unofficial city historian” after solving one of its greatest mysteries: uncovering the origin of the city’s name. That discovery sparked a mission to preserve and share Lilburn’s story for future generations.
Over the years, Hugh has served on numerous boards and committees with the City of Lilburn. His work with the Downtown Development Authority reflects his commitment to shaping Lilburn’s future while honoring its past. His leadership and vision continue to leave a lasting impact on the community he loves.
Elmer Nash
Elmer Nash is a lifelong resident and pillar of the Lilburn community, having called the same family home his own for over 80 years. Built in 1851, the historic home stands as a testament to the deep roots his family planted in Lilburn when they first settled here in 1835. Born to a Garner and a Nash, Elmer carries forward a proud legacy woven into the very fabric of the city’s history.
Following six years of honorable service in the U.S. Army, Elmer earned his law degree from the University of Georgia in 1968. He practiced law with dedication and integrity for more than 30 years, and has been a member of the bar for 55 years. Throughout his professional journey, Elmer remained steadfast in his devotion to his family. He and his wife, Judy, have shared 57 years of marriage, raising two children, and has four grandchildren.
Elmer’s commitment to Lilburn extends well beyond his legal career. He has served on the board of the Georgia Piedmont Land Trust, contributed to the efforts of the Lilburn Community Improvement District, and remains an active force in community development through his long-standing service on the City of Lilburn Downtown Development Authority (DDA), where he has served since 2008.
With a life defined by service, integrity, and deep community ties, Elmer Nash embodies the spirit of civic leadership and represents the enduring heart of Lilburn.