Atlanta — Mar 11, 2025
(ATLANTA – MARCH 10, 2025) – The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 12 regarding an update to the Regional Development Plan (RDP). The hearing will take place at 1 p.m. at ARC’s offices (229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, 30303).
The Regional Development Plan serves as a high-level policy guide for local governments and other regional leaders, covering key areas such as land use, quality of life, infrastructure, economic development, natural resource management, and intergovernmental coordination. The RDP, which must be updated every five years in compliance with state requirements, will also inform and support the next major update to the Atlanta region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which is due in 2028.
The planning process will include the development of a regional future land-use map to help local government leaders make informed decisions on growth and development issues. ARC also utilizes the map to develop policy and programmatic direction and for evaluating local applications for assistance and funding.
“This plan update comes at a critical time for the Atlanta region,” said Sam Shenbaga, ARC’s Managing Director of Community Development. “We last updated the RDP during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much has changed over the past five years. We have an opportunity to reset and bolster community engagement and other aspects of the plan. This will be the first update under the “One Great Region’ framework.”
During the public hearing, staff will brief regional stakeholders on the planning process and highlight public participation opportunities. The plan must be adopted by June 2026.
Those wishing to provide public comment must sign at the meeting to be recognized. Information about further engagement opportunities will be provided throughout the planning process.
For more information about the Regional Development Plan, contact Andrew Smith at asmith@atlantaregional.org.
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The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 75 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Contact Name: Sheryl Merritt
Contact Phone: 470-757-3799
Contact Email: smerritt@atlantaregional.org
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.
