Demorest DDA reviews consultant proposal for strategic plan, grant-writing support

Jessie Owensby, representing Civic Enhancement Strategies, LLC, told the Demorest Heart of Habersham Downtown Development Authority at its June 4 meeting that she would be on contract with the City of Demorest and outlined services the firm could provide to the DDA.

Owensby described a scope of work that includes drafting a strategic plan with goals, action items and a budget, advising on zoning inspections and downtown economic development, assisting with budget and fundraising strategy, and offering grant-writing instruction as an informational presentation. She also raised the possibility of the DDA taking a quasi-historic-preservation role and said the firm could support work related to the 125 Ivy St. property. Owensby offered either full-day or two-day training sessions for directors and staff.

Directors did not take action at the meeting; board members said they would review materials provided by Owensby and revisit the proposal at the next DDA meeting. No contract terms, dollar amounts or start dates were specified in the meeting record.

Why it matters: a consultant-led strategic plan could set priorities and budget targets for downtown projects and guide grant-seeking efforts. The DDA will need to decide whether to authorize contracting, allocate funds if required, and define any preservation or development role for the authority before work begins.

The board recorded no formal vote on the contract during the June 4 meeting; directors instead agreed to examine the consultant’s documents and discuss next steps at a future meeting.