The world is changing fast. It’s more complex and connected than ever before. The only certainty, it seems, is change.
Here in metro Atlanta, our population is booming and growing more diverse. We’re living longer, too.
The Atlanta Regional Commission is charged with peering into the future and working with our partners across the community to plan for a better, brighter tomorrow.
On any given day, ARC works with local jurisdictions and various regional partners to:
The agency also serves as a regional convener, bringing diverse stakeholders to the table to address the most important issues facing metro Atlanta.
ARC’s member governments are Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties, and the city of Atlanta.
Regional planning has helped metro Atlanta become one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic regions – and a major player on the global stage.
ARC is responsible for developing and updating the Atlanta Region’s Plan, a long-range blueprint that details the investments needed to ensure metro Atlanta’s future success and improve the region’s quality of life.
The 25-year plan, developed with ARC’s community partners and with robust public input, aims to “Win the Future” by providing world-class infrastructure, building a competitive economy and ensuring the region is comprised of healthy, livable communities.
The Atlanta Region’s Plan includes a $93.6 billion investment in transportation infrastructure through 2040 to improve mobility in the region and provide commuting alternatives.
Key elements include a network of managed toll lanes, an expanded transit network, improved arterial roads and highway interchanges, and improved bicycle and pedestrian options.
ARC’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) prioritizes spending on transportation projects in the 20-county Atlanta region over the next two decades.
Regional planning has helped shape the region. Important achievements include:
ARC supports healthy living and healthy aging throughout metro Atlanta by offering a range of services designed to ensure a high quality of life for people of all ages and abilities.
For older adults and people with disabilities, ARC provides access to essential services such as transportation and in-home personal care. ARC’s Empowerline enables persons to connect online or by phone to obtain assistance in navigating aging and disability- related information and services, as well as opportunities to volunteer and remain active.
ARC’s WorkSource Atlanta Regional offers services for businesses seeking a skilled workforce, including training and skills development for new and existing employees, assistance with employee recruitment, and data tools that provide insight into labor market trends. WorkSource Atlanta Regional also provides services for job seekers, including education and skills development.
Kerry Armstrong, ARC Board Chair
Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director (View Bio)
ARC is governed by a 41-member board that consists of:
The ARC Board meets every other month at 1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month (January, March, May, July, September, November).
Upcoming Meetings | Meeting Archives
For more information, visit the ARC Board and Committees page.
The Office of the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Atlanta Regional Commission as well as ARC Board policy coordination and the building of civic partnerships.
Contact Office of the Executive Director
The Atlanta Regional Commission’s programs cover a range of planning and programmatic initiatives in the areas of transportation and mobility, community development, water resources, aging, workforce development, homeland security and leadership development.
Key activities include the development and maintenance of the Atlanta Region’s Plan, the region’s comprehensive long-range blueprint, and development of the Regional Transportation Plan, Living Beyond Expectations Strategic Plan and regional Water Resources Management Plan. Staff assist local governments in the development of regional plans and programs, reviews local comprehensive plans and Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) and provide critical services for older adults. The center also produces data to inform ARC’s planning activities.
ARC programs and services include:
Leadership:
Mike Alexander,
Chief Operating Officer
email: malexander@atlantaregional.org
The Office of External Affairs oversees ARC’s efforts to build stronger networks for regional action and progress through communications and marketing, government affairs and community engagement. The OEA is also responsible for the agency’s strategic framework development and supporting the goals and objectives of ARC and fostering greater public awareness of the agency’s programs and purposes.
The Office of External Affairs includes the following ARC programs and services:
Leadership:
Malika Reed Wilkins, PhD, APR
Chief External Affairs Officer
email: mwilkins@atlantaregional.org
The Atlanta Regional Commission advances the national and international standing of the region by leveraging the uniqueness of its evolving communities, anticipating and responding to current realities and driving a data-driven planning process that provides a high quality of life, balancing social, economic and environmental needs of all our communities.
The Atlanta Regional Commission employs shared foresight, expert staff, the ability to convene diverse communities and its reputation as a regional and national leader in order to support local governments, enhancing the lives of all our citizens by providing world-class infrastructure, building a competitive economy and shaping a regional ecosystem comprised of healthy and livable communities.
Regional Leadership
We exhibit, build and foster regional leadership to address and act on critical challenges and opportunities.
Creative Solutions
We anticipate challenges and develop creative, holistic solutions based on professional knowledge and shared foresight, community engagement and collaboration with our partners.
Public Service
We are accountable to our stakeholders, try to exceed their expectations and exhibit the highest standard of ethical conduct.
The Atlanta region is changing fast. Our population continues to grow and become even more diverse. Technological innovations such as autonomous vehicles, the rise of “big data” and the Internet of Things promise to fundamentally reshape our region. ARC must work in close collaboration with our community partners in order to bring about real change and ensure that our region remains competitive with our peers across the country.
Given the pace of change and the complexity of our challenges, ARC must approach its work differently. The agency has developed an “Evolution Strategy” that includes five guiding principles designed to define our work moving forward.
Funding for ARC’s plans and programs comes from a variety of sources, including grants from federal and state agencies and from private sources. Constituent local governments contribute funds annually for ARC operations, as stipulated by Georgia law. These funds are used to match federal and state dollars.
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more
