Greg Adamson, chair of the Downtown Development Advisory Board, presented a year-in-review to the Town Council, summarizing events, façade grant activity, sponsorships and award winners for the downtown district.
Adamson described the board’s purpose and structure, saying the DDA "implements projects that enhance and protect the downtown district, and then educate its citizens and business stakeholders about the value of downtown," and serves as a review and advisory committee to the council. He outlined four committees — promotions, organization, design and economic vitality — and listed current board members.
Highlights and activities: Adamson said the DDA hosted concerts that drew more than 1,000 people each, reintroduced the social district vendor for large street festivals, and secured more than $1,000 in sponsorships from local businesses that were reinvested in downtown initiatives. The board awarded façade grants to the Triangle Coffee Shop and the Leaf Plant Shop and reported upcoming projects at 106 North Lombard and siding replacement at the Woman's Club of Clayton.
Awards and events: Adamson listed winners and events including Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29), a Bridal/bar-crawl event Oct. 24, Pink Friday (Nov. 21), a tree lighting event Dec. 4 and the Christmas parade on Dec. 13. He also announced the 2025 contest kickoff on Nov. 24 and encouraged residents to watch the DDA’s social media for nomination details. Council members thanked Adamson and the board for volunteer work and downtown promotion.
What was not decided: The presentation was informational; no formal action or funding appropriation was requested from council during the presentation.