The Georgia City Foundation announced the recipients of its Renaissance, Starr and Legacy Partner awards during the GMA Annual Convention in Savannah on Monday, June 24. These awards recognize long-term commitment and partnership in downtown redevelopment and community enhancement, recognizing the significant contributions of the recipients over the years.
“The leadership and initiatives demonstrated by these recipients is exemplary,” said Pam Sessions, President of the Georgia Cities Foundation. “Their commitment to innovative and inclusive downtown redevelopment is exactly what these awards are designed to honor.”
Renaissance Award
Kenneth G. Clark, a third-term city commissioner and chairman of the Downtown Development Authority in Hawkinsville, is the recipient of the 2024 Renaissance Award. This award, given annually, recognizes the outstanding efforts and achievements of an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to the revitalization of Georgia’s downtown districts.
Clark has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to revitalizing the downtown area. Clark personally invested his own money into renovating five dilapidated buildings, transforming them into thriving businesses and residential spaces. His successful projects, including Jo’s Pizza and multiple loft apartments, have significantly boosted the local economy and attracted further development.
Starr Award
Lyn Menne, former executive director of the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and former Decatur assistant city manager, is the recipient of the 2024 Starr Award. The Starr Award is named in honor of the Georgia City Foundation's first president, Mike Starr, who passed away in 2019, and recognizes those that have demonstrated outstanding vision, partnership, and execution in addressing community challenges and enhancing local quality of life.
Menne's 36-year tenure as Executive Director of the Decatur DDA and assistant city manager transformed downtown Decatur into a vibrant, thriving community. Starting with no budget, she built partnerships and launched initiatives like the Decatur Arts Festival and "Keep It Indie-catur" brand, which revitalized the area and established a unique community identity. Her efforts attracted significant private sector investment, resulting in mixed-use developments and over 1,800 new dwellings that support a bustling array of restaurants and retail businesses. Her innovative approach and dedication to community engagement have made Decatur a model for intelligent urban redevelopment, earning it the "Great American Neighborhood" designation.
Legacy Partner Award
Fox Gives has been honored with the 2024 Legacy Partner Award for its sustained and impactful initiatives. This award honors outstanding long-term commitment and partnership in urban redevelopment and community enhancement.
Fox Gives was chosen for its significant contributions, including a grants program that provides substantial funding to historic theatres in need of urgent or emergency repairs, such as those affected by floods or fires. Additionally, Fox Gives offers high school students invaluable front-row access to careers in the entertainment industry, from production to performance, fostering future talent and supporting community resilience.