He initiated a conversation about future funding for downtown programming during Thursdayâs DDA meeting. City Manager Sammy Rich said Rome is somewhat unique in that the city provides funding for the DDA office while the property owners and merchants fund programming through fees and the Business Improvement District self-tax. âWe as the city of Rome are funding about a $200,000 a year operation that pays to have a Downtown Development staff and support staff,â Rich said. âNot all cities commit to even having a Downtown Development Authority.â Blumberg said heâd like more interaction between the DDA and the tourism office, some use of hotel/motel taxes and aid from Floyd County.