Downtown Development Authority

The City of Leslie Downtown Development Authority (the “Authority” or “DDA”) and DDA/TIFA Plan was originally created in 1991. The new version of the original plan, as well as a Development Plan, focuses on strategies that will bring success to the City of Leslie and the DDA District. A DDA is governed by a Board of Directors whose primary purpose is to correct and prevent deterioration and promote economic growth within Leslie’s principal business district. Other purposes of a DDA include reversing declining property values, improving the overall business climate, and increasing employment opportunities. A primary benefit of forming a DDA is the ability to capture the incremental increase in property taxes that result from improvements in the district. These tax revenues are used to finance improvement projects or activities within the district, which furthers the goal of economic growth.

A Development Plan is one tool the DDA relies upon for identifying and implementing projects and activities aimed at spurring new private investment. The goals, objectives and recommended actions presented in this document are intended to plan and prioritize projects/activities and ensure that development and redevelopment within the DDA District occurs in an orderly manner. Recommendations also ensure that improvements match the available revenues and can enable the DDA to become eligible for other funding sources at the Federal, State and local levels. This Plan was prepared in accordance with Act 57 of 2018 (Tax Increment Financing Act) effective January 1, 2019 (the “Act”).

A DDA can capture new tax increment in the district and use it to pay for improvements that otherwise could not be afforded by either local businesses or City government, referred to as Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”). Moreover, creation of a TIF district does not take away current tax revenue; it just captures any new increment that results from improvements to property or an increase in value.

DDA Board members are appointed to 4 year terms. The DDA includes the mayor plus 8 Members. The majority must have “interest in the DDA District” and one must be a resident of the district.

DDA TIF Resolution

DDA TIF Plan

Leslie Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

NameTitleTerm Expires
Barb Winslow

Chair

July 1, 2025

Toby Teague

Vice Chair - Resident Rep

July 1, 2024

Rachel Shumaker

Member

July 1, 2022

Brian Baker

Member

July 1, 2026

Carol Abbee

Member

July 1, 2026

Member

July1, 2026

Richard Floyd

Member

July 1, 2024

Mayor Pro-Tem

Term of Office

Member - Vacant

July 1, 2025