The Community & Economic Development Division is the starting point for all development within the city limits. Its mission includes the development of plans and programs that result in thriving and livable neighborhoods, predictable land use permitting processes, and enhanced economic development opportunities. At its core, the division is tasked with striving to enhance the quality of life in the City of Bainbridge through community development, public awareness, and protection of the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens.

Community & Economic Development makes recommendation and suggestions to the City Council, Bainbridge-Decatur County Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and other agencies on comprehensive land use policies and plans, zoning recommendations, special permits, historic preservation certificates of appropriateness and subdivision regulations. The Community & Economic Development Division is also directly responsible for the administration of the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, historic preservation design guidelines, building codes, property maintenance codes, permitting, inspections, animal control and cemeteries.

The Community & Economic Development Division consists of eight interrelated departments: Bainbridge-Decatur Marshal’s Office, Building Inspections, Code Enforcement, Bainbridge-Decatur Animal Control, Historic Preservation, Occupational Tax & License, Permits, and Planning & Zoning.   These 8 divisions are managed by the Director of Community & Economic Development.