The City of Douglas was recognized by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Awards Recognition Event on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. Georgia city and county leaders gathered at the C.E. Weir Center for the event with special remarks given by DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn and Georgia House Representative 170^th District/Chairman, Appropriations: Economic Development, Penny Houston.

“Comprehensive planning is essential in helping to build strong, vibrant communities,” said DCA Commissioner Nunn. “And it is evident as I traveled here today that cities such as Douglas are leading the way by completing projects based upon their local Comp Plan.”

During the recognition event, Douglas received re-designation as a PlanFirst Community for a third consecutive renewal.  Being a designated PlanFirst Community helps Douglas to receive grant funding through the State.  

The City of Douglas was among several Georgia communities that were recognized for receiving $1,000,000 from CDBG federal grant funding to help grow the local economy. The funds will be allocated to expand the current Early Head Start and Head Start facility.

“We have very conscientious employees working on behalf of Douglas citizens in the Community Development Department,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “We have a great team working together to ensure that grant funds will help address needs in our community.”

Douglas was recognized and awarded the OneGeorgia Equity Grant in the amount of $500,000 to assist with water and sewer expansions at Barrington Agri-Business Park. Also, Douglas was recognized as a 2^nd Year participant of the Revitalization Area Strategy program.

The City of Douglas received redesignation as a PlanFirst Community, 2^nd Year RAS participant, and City of Douglas officials and Action Pact leaders receive $1,000,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. This project is a collaboration between the City of Douglas, Action Pact, Coffee County, and the Coffee County Board of Education to expand the current Early Head Start and Head Start facility.

Pictured Back Row (L-R): Penny Houston (Georgia Representative 170^th District/Chairman, Appropriations: Economic Development), Gloria Paulk (Action Pact Executive Board), Angela Carr (Assistant Headstart Director), Christopher Nunn (DCA Commissioner), Michael Jacobs (SGRC Senior Planner), Charles Davis (City Manager), Michael Hudson (Douglas Utilities Director), and Wesley Vickers (Coffee County Administrator)

Front Row (L-R): Melody Henderson (Headstart Leadership Team Representative), Commissioner Kentaiwon Durham, Commissioner Olivia Pearson, Georgia Henderson (Community Development Director), Mayor Tony Paulk, Commissioner Cindy McNeill, and Dr. Amanda Lankford (Headstart Director).