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Information for Developers

Downtown Decatur is centrally located in North Alabama, the fastest growing region in the state, making it a prime investment spot for developers.

Decatur is in a perfect location, located just 25 minutes from the City of Huntsville. Central to cities east and west in North Alabama and within an easy drive of Nashville, Birmingham, and Atlanta. Investors and developers looking to invest in a smaller city (population just over 58,000) need to check out the many opportunities.

Top 5
reasons why Downtown Decatur is a top investment opportunity

Opportunity to capitalize on major development & investment already happening

High demand for residential & mixed-use development to support growth

Strong mix of historic character and state-of-the-art higher education and museum facilities.

Support and incentive opportunities for developers
Proven success in development – Successfully executing the One Decatur Plan

Resources for Developers

LOCAL PROGRAM

City of Decatur Historic Preservation Specialist

Caroline Swope, M.S.H.P., Ph.D., serves as our city’s historic preservation specialist. She has more than thirty years of experience with historic rehabilitations, design review, and historic tax credits. Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits can provide up to 45% tax credits for approved rehabilitation expenses and many historic properties are eligible for Ad Valorem tax reductions as well. Decatur is the only municipality in the State of Alabama with this unique position. Dr. Swope offers complimentary assistance to property owners, helping them acquire financial incentives for rehabilitations.
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LOCAL PROGRAM

North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund – NARCOG

The NARCOG Revolving Loan Fund is locally controlled to finance start-up and expanding businesses whose establishment results in job creation, private sector investments, and reduction of unemployment in North Alabama.
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Why I chose to invest in Downtown Decatur

  • “The growth and accomplishments seen in Downtown Decatur from 2006 to today is simply amazing. We credit DDRA for spearheading, supporting, encouraging, and driving so much of the change Decatur was in desperate need of.”

    -- Tom Counts, 3-GIS CEO

  • “The potential for a true revitalization of the historic downtown area was huge and energized us to want to be a part of it – part of something bigger than ourselves and allow us to support and encourage civic responsibility internally as well as externally with others in the community.”

    -- Ronnie Hoff, Magnolia River CEO