Community Development Assistance Program / Past CDAP Projects
ARC's Community Development Assistance Program has been providing planning assistance to local governments, CIDs, and nonprofits since 2018. Below, you will find the full list of completed CDAP projects.
Cascade Heights Greenway Network Plan
The Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy seeks assistance in prioritizing a proposed network of eight multi-modal greenway corridors connecting 600+ acres of greenspace within a 1-mile radius of the Cascade Heights Business Historic District. The planning process will include convening primary stakeholders and decision makers to prioritize trail segments identified in several planning documents, including the 2006 Campbellton-Cascade Corridors Redevelopment Plan and 2021 AeroATL Greenway Model Mile Atlanta Project Feasibility Study. The completed plan will include renderings of the prioritized segments, cost estimates for design and construction of the multi-modal corridors, and a matrix of funding sources.
Cobb County Housing Study
Cobb County seeks assistance in analyzing the current state of housing in Cobb and the needs to support their growing population, identifying issues and opportunities related to attainable housing, defining housing goals, and providing policy and programming recommendations to achieve those goals. As a part of this initiative, the County hopes to gain an understanding of the current inventory of housing countywide, including the number and type of various types of housing units, average cost of housing, and how this range of housing in distributed countywide. The completed study will summarize engagement conducted with key community stakeholders, as well as detail the data collection and analysis conducted.
Gwinnett County Safe & Equitable Multimodal Access Study & Mountain Park Commercial Revitalization Plan
GRANT AMOUNT: $250,000
Gwinnett County seeks assistance in developing a multimodal access study in the area generally bound by I-85 to the north, US 29/SR 8 to the south, SR 378/Beaver Ruin Road to the east, and Old Norcross Tucker Road to the west - one of the most diverse, and often under resourced, areas in the County. In addition, the County seeks assistance in developing a commercial revitalization plan for the intersections of Five Forks Trickum Road at Rockbridge Road and Killian Road in collaboration with the Mountain Park Community Association. The completed study and plan will detail prioritized project recommendations and provide a framework for evaluating inequities in multimodal facilities, as well as provide a guide for the creation of vibrant commercial nodes in the Mountain Park community.
Henry County Housing Study
The Georgia Institute of Technology will be working with Henry County on the following project.
Henry County seeks assistance in completing a study focused on housing affordability and services for low-income households and the unhoused. The planning process will include the facilitation of stakeholder meetings to assess the state of homelessness and analyze the affordability of housing, as well as outreach and engagement of families and persons receiving housing assistance and families that include homeless students. The completed study will assist in defining and better understanding "homelessness" within the County, as well as identify County committees and sub-committees and their assigned tasks toward filling the current gaps in services for the homeless population.
Villa Rica Placemaking and Alleyway Activation Plan
The Georgia Conservancy will be working with the City of Villa Rica on the following project.
The City of Villa Rica seeks assistance in developing a program for downtown placemaking – identifying opportunities for public art, gateway enhancements, place building, and green infrastructure. The completed plan will identify locations for specific placemaking improvements and demonstration projects related to alley improvements and public art installations and include an implementation plan to guide the city and its community partners in future placemaking activities and projects. The Placemaking and Alleyway Activation Program is an extension of the Villa Rica LCI Study. The LCI identifies downtown gateways (D1.03), alley activation (D1.11), and public arts (D1.13) in the Project and Policy Recommendations section of the study.
Fairburn Community Garden Plan
The City of Fairburn aspires to develop a community garden that will stimulate social interaction among residents, increase physical activity, and provide an area with limited access to grocery stores with access to fresh, healthy produce. The completed plan will identify sites across the city for future community gardens, elements to include in each garden, as well as implementation strategies and potential funding sources.
City of Fairburn Community Garden Strategy (PDF - 29MB)
Sandy Springs Flood Mitigation and Resilience Strategy
Developing this strategy would be a first step in Sandy Springs' establishment of a comprehensive climate resilience plan. The flood mitigation and resilience component of the plan will unify current existing work on the city's flood issues. As part of this process, the city will work with ARC's City Simulator, a geographic information system (GIS) tool capable of gathering and analyzing a wide variety of geographic data. Using the tool will enable Sandy Springs to accurately predict its infrastructure's vulnerability to threats such as flooding. The city will incorporate the resulting report into its eventual resilience plan.
South Fulton Citizen Board Training
This training will bring together members of several of this new city's boards to arm them with the knowledge and tools necessary to work with community members, elected officials, and developers as they consider key infrastructure and development decisions in the months and years to come. In addition, the county will receive a reusable lesson plan that they can use in the future to educate new citizen boards as well as the wider community.
South River Forest Consensus Building and Stakeholder Engagement
ARC will convene stakeholders to discuss the potential impact of improved residential access to green space in the 3,500-acre South River Forest area - specifically, the impact on factors such as economic development, tree canopy protection, and water quality. This process will engage both residents and elected officials in an exploration process of the potential for this considerable green space, including examining case studies of similar areas elsewhere and reviewing regulations and policies in the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County affecting the area.
Tucker Arts in the Alleys Initiative
The City of Tucker will integrate public art in the alleys in downtown Tucker to enhance the overall sense of place, create an economic driver for local businesses, and allow all residents and visitors to feel comfortable and welcome. In addition, teams made up of local arts and culture professionals taking part in this year's ARC Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta (ALMA) class are developing potential mock-up designs addressing this challenge - and will be in conversation with Tucker about potential future collaboration.
Chamblee Housing Study
GRANT AMOUNT: $120,000
This housing study will complete a preliminary assessment, begun by Georgia State University students, evaluating the city's housing for demographic, economic, and affordability data - establishing the number of residents who are cost-burdened, that is, paying 30% or more of their income on housing. The study will also develop recommendations for improving housing stability and affordability.
Dunwoody Edge City 2.0 Redevelopment Plan
GRANT AMOUNT: $120,000
This redevelopment plan will create a vision for the portion of Perimeter Center that lies within Dunwoody. This vision will incorporate new mixed use and multifamily development based on three different growth scenarios: low, medium, and high. Each will align with the 2020 Dunwoody Comprehensive Plan. Residents and other stakeholders will then be invited to review the plans. A final report will include an assessment of existing conditions, case studies for each growth scenario, and a summary of stakeholder discussions.
Livable Buckhead
GRANT AMOUNT: $80,000
This project responds to Buckhead's housing affordability challenge by exploring the feasibility of a program in which employers assist in securing affordable housing units for employees, as well as gauging interest in such a program among both employers and residents. Thirdly, it will assess the feasibility of employer-assisted affordable housing units from both legal and policy perspectives. Previously, a study found a gap in housing supply for those who earn less than $50,000 annually. The study found that demand for affordable housing was sufficient to fill 6,000 housing units. After determining the interest in and feasibility of employer-assisted affordable housing, this project will create a toolkit that outlines strategies for implementing recommendations.
Douglas County Lithia Springs Character Area Implementation Strategy
The Georgia Conservancy, with support from ARC, will work with Douglas County to help maximize the potential of the historic Lithia Springs community, in the northeast corner of Douglas County. It will do so by equipping residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve the changes they want to see in their community. First, the nonprofit will work with the County to develop a primer of best practices and regional case studies to illustrate redevelopment recommendations made in the County's small area implementation plan for Lithia Springs. Second, it will produce a training for citizens, planning officials, and the Board of Commissioners, so that they may become even better community advocates. Curriculum for this training will be based on ARC's Community Planning Academy and the Georgia Conservancy's Good Urbanism 101 program.
City of Locus Grove Zoning Code Audit
The Georgia Conservancy, with support from ARC and in partnership with the Incremental Development Alliance, will work with the City of Locus Grove to conduct an audit of its zoning code to address initial, high-level concerns. This is a preliminary step in the City's plan to complete a full update of its zoning ordinance, focusing on housing, downtown development, and density as Locust Grove continues to grow, both in population and in diversity. The zoning ordinance is a key document used by local staff and elected officials to translate planning goals into regulations to ensure the realization of the community's vision for itself. This review will provide the opportunity to rewrite an outdated zoning code, while identifying new standards that could improve social equity and resilience.
Aerotropolis Atlanta Blueprint 2.0 Prioritization Exercise
ARC coordinated with community stakeholders and partners in the Aerotropolis Area on a prioritization exercise to determine what elements would need to be included in an Aerotropolis Atlanta Blueprint 2.0 and prepare a Request for Proposal for Blueprint 2.0.
Decatur Housing Rehabilitation Program Strategy
The City of Decatur worked with ARC to develop a housing rehabilitation program strategy. The program will prioritize assistance to low-income seniors and historic properties to increase housing affordability and preserve small, historic homes. The report outlines an implementation of the program in the next five years.
Douglasville Housing Assessment
ARC assisted the City of Douglasville in understanding its current and future housing needs. The final assessment includes information on lifelong housing options, market trends and existing housing, and recommendations for future programs.
East Point City Agriculture Plan
ARC partnered with the non-profit Food Well Alliance to create Metro Atlanta’s first city agriculture plan in the City of East Point. Through a community driven process, the plan identifies local food assets and offers recommendations on how the city can support its community food system.
Willingham Drive Sub-Area Study (formerly East Point Tri-Cities Headwaters Corridor Study)
This study reimagined the Willingham Drive corridor, from the city-edge land uses present today, to an area with thriving infill development that complements and connects the surrounding neighborhoods The study also envisioned the corridor, now built for cars, as one designed for public transit users, Woodward Academy students, and hotel guests to walk along comfortably and safely. Furthermore, the study incorporated green infrastructure and creative placemaking to elevate the Flint River from a hidden and polluted river to a restored and beautiful public asset of which the Tri-Cities can be proud.
Gateway Marietta Creative Placemaking for Blanche Drive Underpass and CID Signage
This study created a wayfinding and signage program to encourage efficient and safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles in the Gateway Marietta activity center. The study also examined opportunities for creative placemaking for the Blanche Drive underpass that will also make pedestrian access safer between a residential neighborhood and Gateway Marietta’s commercial district.
Town Center Sidewalk Network and Walkability Assessment (formerly Town Center Sidewalk Gap Analysis)
In the Town Center CID, ARC inventoried and mapped existing sidewalk, crossing, and transit stop conditions. Using criteria like safety and access to grocery stores, the study employed prioritization scoring to identify top pedestrian infrastructure needs in the district. Each priority project received detailed recommendations.
Tyrone Zoning Map Update and Online Integration
ARC provided the Town of Tyrone with an online Esri web zoning map so that residents and businesses can easily access the parcel-level zoning information and flood risk online. ARC also provided a static, adoptable PDF zoning map that reflects all annexations and rezonings that have happened since 2015.
Aerotropolis Area Land Use Study
ARC assessed key land use and development conflicts within the various jurisdictions in the Aerotropolis area and recommend potential solutions. In coordination with the Aerotropolis Alliance, ARC hosted a summit for Aerotropolis-area elected officials. The summit covered planning and zoning best practices, as well as opportunities for interjurisdictional coordination.
City of Stonecrest Historic Resource and Community Strategy
Working with the Arabia Alliance, ARC inventoried historic resources within the City of Stonecrest and established policy recommendations to protect and preserve them. In addition, ARC helped community leaders and interested residents determine the best course of action for legally designating and preserving historic districts and landmarks.
Digital Media Content Framework for the Atlanta Arts and Entertainment District
ARC convened a committee of experts to develop a content framework for digital signage within the Atlanta Arts and Entertainment District. The digital signage incorporated local history and culture to celebrate Downtown Atlanta’s heritage.
Atlanta Land Trust Investment Prioritization Tool
ARC helped the Atlanta Land Trust identify and collect data to assist in the development of a site selection tool. The work is the first phase of creating a tool that locates ideal future investments and formulates land acquisition criteria in the Atlanta Beltline Planning Area.
Buford Highway Food Security Assessment
ARC helped the cities of Chamblee and Brookhaven and community partners identify barriers to food security in the Buford Highway corridor, particularly for the community’s low-income Hispanic population. The goal was the eventual removal of these barriers and improved health outcomes in the area.
Douglas County Zoning Code Audit
ARC assisted Douglas County with an audit of its current zoning ordinance and focused on key corridors and areas within the county where existing zoning ordinances conflict with the vision laid out in the county’s recently completed long-range plan.
Historic Preservation as an Economic Tool for the City of Lithonia
ARC and the City of Lithonia developed a strategy to use historic preservation as an economic development tool. This included opportunities for a Main Street façade program, a historic preservation district, and a workforce development program to fulfill recommendations outlined in the existing Livable Centers Initiative study and the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Old Fourth Ward Visioning Study
ARC conducted an analysis of previous planning studies, strategies, and initiatives impacting the Old Fourth Ward community and synthesize these recommendations into a vision for the area. A feasibility study for a Business Improvement District/Community Improvement District was undertaken to determine potential long-term financing mechanisms.
Rockdale County & City of Conyers Planning and Zoning Training
ARC facilitated a training program to inform the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments of roles and responsibilities and discussed key issues faced by the county and city.
Washington Road Pedestrian Safety Study
With new development coming to the City of South Fulton’s Washington Road corridor, ARC explored options for improving pedestrian access and safety, including sidewalks, updated MARTA bus stops, bicycle paths, trails, crosswalks, and street furniture.
Campbellton Community Master Plan*
The master plan for the historic Campbellton community focused on a unified vision and strategies to address the its future related to development, transportation, recreation, and economic investment.
Glenwood Road- Columbia Drive Area Redevelopment Plan*
This project provided a vision for the redevelopment of this underutilized commercial node in DeKalb County. The project had an emphasis on community understanding and buy-in for redevelopment through training and education of stakeholders.
Forest Park Housing and Neighborhood Stabilization Strategy**
The Georgia Conservancy helped the city of Forest Park develop an inventory of current housing conditions for neighborhoods near downtown to stimulate investment. The Georgia Conservancy is a partner of ARC in the implementation of the Community Development Assistance Program.
Paulding County SR 92 Corridor Study**
The Georgia Conservancy assisted the county with a study to of existing and potential assets along the SR 92 corridor with a goal of attract businesses and increasing the tax base through growth in the commercial and industrial sectors. The Georgia Conservancy is a partner of ARC in the implementation of the Community Development Assistance Program.
Rockdale County Milstead Historic Village**
The Georgia Conservancy helped Rockdale County evaluate historic structures in Milstead Village to aid in the county’s effort to develop design guidelines for the area and attract new businesses and economic opportunities. The Georgia Conservancy is a partner of ARC in the implementation of the Community Development Assistance Program.
South Fulton District 4 Resiliency Program**
Georgia State University students participating in a senior seminar program at the Andrew Young School of Public Policy identified opportunities to expand the agricultural program at Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, create urban community gardens and employment opportunities, and address environmental stressors that impact the area. The overall goals are to create healthy food choices and better utilize available agricultural land. Georgia State University is a partner of ARC in the implementation of the Community Development Assistance Program.
*Project funded by a grant from a partner organization
**Project led by a partner organization
Chattahoochee Hills Stormwater Management Assessment
ARC assessed the City of Chattahoochee Hills’ Light Imprint (LI) stormwater management regulations and sought ways to better communicate them. LI refers to a comprehensive approach to neighborhood design that relies on green infrastructure techniques to manage stormwater. ARC’s assessment identified ways to fully integrate and explain LI standards into the city’s code of ordinances.
City of East Point Downtown Overlay District Ordinance
ARC worked with East Point to review design standards and regulations for East Point’s downtown. The plan offers development guidelines pertaining to design standards and regulations. This rewrite will support the development of a sustainable mixed-use Main Street corridor.
Clayton County ZAG and ZBA Training
ARC and Clayton County organized an all-day planning training for Clayton County’s Zoning Advisory Group (ZAG) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). These boards often consist of citizen members without formal planning education. ARC’s county-specific training equipped these board members with foundational planning and zoning tools to make effective decisions regarding their county’s future.
Fairburn Creative Placemaking Strategy
ARC crafted a unified plan for creative placemaking initiatives for the City of Fairburn. The strategy identifies and prioritizes key sites for public art around the city’s downtown. ARC used innovative community engagement methods such as a civic dinner, pop-up events, and visual preference surveys throughout the process. Following the plan’s recommendations, the City of Fairburn is currently working on hiring a staff member to lead the city’s creative placemaking work.
Grove Park Community Goals and Neighborhood Assessment
ARC conducted a community goals and neighborhood assessment for the Grove Park neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta in collaboration with the Grove Park Foundation and community members. The assessment studies housing conditions and offers policy recommendations to guide growth and development in the community. The team also produced a neighborhood pattern book that guides developers and homeowners on design principles and architectural styles consistent with the neighborhood’s unique character.
Tracks to Progress: City of Hampton’s Economic Development Strategy
ARC developed a community-driven economic strategy for the City of Hampton titled ‘Tracks to Progress.’ The plan identifies and prioritizes specific policies, programs, and infrastructure investments to implement the city’s economic development goals. Specifically, the strategy highlights Cherry Street as a prime location for creative placemaking strategies and other infrastructure improvements to promote economic activity near the city’s historic downtown. The plan reimagines the street as pedestrian-friendly space complete with outdoor seating, added lighting, and public art.
Housing Profile for the City of Hapeville
ARC studied housing trends increasing the cost-burden of residents in the City of Hapeville as well as identified strategies to address these housing challenges. The report offers several recommendations on how the city can develop housing leadership, mitigate potential for displacement, increase homeownership to stabilize existing neighborhoods, and diversify the city’s housing supply.
Commercial Parking Assessment for the City of Hapeville
Hapeville’s downtown is attracting more businesses and visitors, increasing the need for public parking. At the same time, its code allows for a surplus of commercial parking that often goes underutilized. ARC assessed these challenges and offered recommendations to strike a balance between the existing supply of parking and growing demand. The study’s recommendations address parking minimums and downtown walkability. The plan also identifies vacant lots for potential public parking sites as well as underutilized commercial parking lots to explore shared use agreements with property owners.
Kennesaw City Cemetery Strategic Plan
ARC created a strategy for the use and programming of the Kennesaw City Cemetery, a cultural resource uniquely positioned in downtown Kennesaw. Relying on the findings of extensive stakeholder and community engagement, the plan identifies strategies to activate the space such as movie screenings and live music. The plan was unanimously approved of by the Kennesaw City Council in June.
Tyrone Downtown Zoning Assessment
The Town of Tyrone and its citizens envision a walkable, connected, and reenergized town center with mixed use developments and strong sense of place. ARC developed best development models, zoning code amendments, and comprehensive plan policies to guide development and if adopted, ultimately make the town’s vision a reality.
Union City Community Garden Opportunities
ARC outlined a strategy for Union City to develop a community garden for citizens to “gather, plot, grow, and give.” The garden will not only address food security concerns but also foster social interaction among community members and create a lasting healthier urban environment. Union City has already implemented the first phase of the strategy after receiving a community orchard through the Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI) Orchard Project, a coalition program supported by ARC and regional partners.
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
