Douglas City Hall

The City of Douglas Urban Redevelopment Plan, adopted in December 2020 for implementation between 2020 and 2030, outlines a strategy to revitalize neighborhoods and commercial corridors by eliminating blight conditions. Key objectives include strengthening housing diversity and affordability, supporting sustainable growth patterns aligned with infrastructure, facilitating smart land use for economic development, enhancing transportation, and preserving community identity, natural, and cultural resources. The plan aims to transform blighted areas into attractive, vibrant, and prosperous spaces.

The proceedings included a work session and a subsequent regular meeting. Key discussions and approvals involved the review and consent approval of the minutes from the December 11, 2025 meeting. Additionally, the commission granted consent approval for a temporary road closure of Andrew Street, extending from North Dry Avenue to North Wheeler Avenue, which is related to the 2024 Litech project involving a 48-unit development starting in the next year. The body also sought and received consent approval for a memorandum of agreement concerning a Plan First designation, following a prior presentation by a DCA representative. The work session concluded, and the group moved directly into the regular meeting where the items from the consent agenda were approved.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda order and previous meeting minutes were approved. A key segment featured a presentation by Miss Ashley Robinson from Coffee High School regarding the Early Childhood Education and Teaching as a Profession (TAP) pathways, detailing curriculum activities, career opportunities such as pediatric nursing and child psychology, college credit opportunities, and loan forgiveness information for future educators. Following this, Miss Sierra Bagley, a school counselor, provided a community spotlight, discussing the extensive roles counselors manage, including mental health support, academic scheduling, and college preparation, while emphasizing prioritization strategies to handle the diverse demands. The council then addressed community service updates, specifically regarding the 'Adopt the House' initiative planned for December 22nd, which involves visiting houses, singing Christmas songs, and distributing gifts.

The proceedings included a work session followed by a regular meeting. Key discussions and actions involved the approval of the West Green Highway sidewalk project bid award to SNS Asphalt Cement and Maintenance for $299,037. Several reappointments to various boards were handled as consent agenda items: Dalton King to the Downtown Development Authority for a four-year term; Stanley Lot and Stephanie Chers to the World War II Flight Training Base Committee for three-year terms; Rosemary Street to the Douglas Coff County Planning Commission for a four-year term; Alisa Mills Jackson and Kila Swinson to Keep Douglas Beautiful; and Brendville to the Historic Preservation Commission for a three-year term. The contract for Tax Commissioner Angela Harper was reviewed and approved, setting the collection fee for the City of Douglas around $18,000. Date changes for two future meetings in 2026 were approved due to conflicts. Furthermore, the City was recognized for the fourth time as a 'Plan First' community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for its strong commitment to comprehensive plan implementation and demonstrated ability to access financial incentives.

The commission discussed various items, including advertising for expiring terms on the Downtown Development Authority, the World War II Flight Training Base Committee, the Douglas Coff County Planning Commission, and Keep Douglas Be Beautiful. They also discussed a resolution to renew the Georgia state income tax credit for historic property rehabilitation and the phone-in elective meeting participation. The meeting included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the agenda and consent agenda items.