Downtown Development Advisory Board

Downtown Clayton is the backbone of our economy - the heart of Clayton! This advisory board has a passion for preserving all that makes an alive downtown!

The purpose of the Clayton Downtown Development Advisory Board is to advise the Town Council on issues that impact the Downtown District, including preserving and enhancing the character of Clayton's Downtown District; protecting the historic significance of the buildings, facilities, and spaces within the Downtown District; educating citizens and business people about the value of the Downtown District; promoting the Downtown District as a place to invest; serving as a review and advisory committee to the Town of Clayton Town Council; and implementing projects that enhance and protect the Downtown District. The board also supports the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA), Inc., a 501-c-3 not-for-profit dedicated to improving downtown.

The Downtown Development Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to the Council, focusing on the revitalization, promotion, and sustainable growth of the downtown area. The board works to enhance the economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and aesthetic appeal of downtown, while fostering partnerships between businesses, property owners, and the local government.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise on Development Strategies: Provide recommendations on plans, projects, and policies that support the growth and revitalization of the downtown area, including infrastructure improvements, zoning, and land use.
• Support Economic Development: Collaborate with local businesses and developers to encourage investment, attract new businesses, and retain existing ones, fostering a thriving downtown economy.
• Promote Aesthetic Enhancements: Offer input on beautification efforts, such as streetscaping, lighting, signage, and landscaping, to create an attractive and inviting downtown environment.
• Review and Recommend Events: Support and advise on community events, festivals, and activities that draw residents and visitors to downtown, boosting local businesses and enhancing community engagement.
• Advise on Historic Preservation: Ensure that the downtown development efforts respect and preserve the area’s historical character and architectural integrity.
• Engage the Community: Foster collaboration between downtown stakeholders, including property owners, businesses, residents, and town officials, to ensure that development efforts reflect community needs and priorities.

The Downtown Development Advisory Board is an 11-member Town-Council-appointed advisory committee that includes citizens who live inside the town limits, business people with interests in the Downtown Clayton area, property owners within the Downtown District of Clayton, or other people with knowledge or abilities deemed beneficial to the purpose of the advisory board by the Town Council. The Advisory Board works on behalf of the Town of Clayton and serves the Town's interests in relation to the goals and priorities established by the Town Council for the Town of Clayton. The Town of Clayton's Economic Development Director or a designee serves as the liaison to this board.

The CDDA, Inc. meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. See the current meeting calendar (PDF).

There are also several regular committee and subcommittee meetings where the public is also welcome.

This downtown advisory board also helps to recommend applicants for Facade Grants or Vibrancy Grants to help spruce up the historic storefronts of downtown!

See a list of our advisory board openings! If you have great ideas you want to share, have skills you feel would benefit the community and have the willingness to give your time and energies to making this community great, please get involved and apply to serve on an advisory board!

Read the by-laws (PDF) of the Clayton Downtown Development Advisory Board. 

Want to Volunteer?

• Christmas Village and Tree Lighting: Assist with preplanning; Facilitate volunteers; Information booth; Provide support to key leaders and activities.
• Town Square Concert Series: Assist with the Town Square Concerts; Serve alcohol; Check IDs; Set-up and/or cleanup; Promotion; Information booth.
• Material Distribution: Distribute event flyers and posters to downtown businesses, also occasional notices to businesses.
• Fundraising and Membership: Work on fundraising, sponsorship and membership drives

If you would like to participate in the work of the CDDA, or if you have any questions, please contact the Economic Development office at 919-553-5002 or visit this page to learn more about volunteering.

Members

• Valerie Mullins, Vice-Chair - Term Expires December 31, 2027; Serving Since: January 2025
• Stephanie Lanier - Term Expires December 31, 2027; Serving Since: January 2026
• Paul Auclair - Term Expires December 31, 2027; Serving Since June 2021
• Emma Lowery - Term Expires December 31, 2028; Serving Since: January 2026
• Marty Kornegay - Term Expires December 31, 2026; Serving Since: July 2023
• Andre Walden - Term Expires December 31, 2026; Serving Since: July 2023
• Julie Miller - Term Expires December 31, 2028; Serving Since: January 2026
• Corina Knott - Term Expires December 31, 2026; Serving Since: January 2025
• Davin Colclough - Term Expires December 31, 2026; Serving Since: January 2025
• Jennifer Hamilton - Term Expires December 31, 2027; Serving Since: January 2025
• Angie Stults - Term Expires December 31, 2028; Serving Since: January 2026
• Khelsey Lemon - Term Expires December 31, 2026; Serving Since January 2026
• Jaclyn Finn - Term Expires December December 31, 2026; Serving Since January 2026
• Sally Schlindwein - Term Expires December 31, 2028; Serving Since January 2026

Ex-Officio Members