Established in 2004, the Decatur, Alabama Downtown Redevelopment Authority was formed to provide consistent support and promotion of the city's redevelopment projects, and create easier avenues for private developers to build and remodel in the downtown and riverfront areas. The organization is governed by a board of directors and led by a full-time executive director. The authority's first executive director, Rick Paler, was appointed to the position in the fall of 2007.