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ARC Seeks Input on Update to Region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Atlanta — Apr 07, 2022

The Atlanta Regional Commission is seeking public input to help shape a major update to the Atlanta Region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS.

The public outreach effort will include a project specific website, online survey, a series of public meetings, and a contest to name the planning initiative. Visit atlantaregionalceds2022.org to learn more.

ARC, which serves as the federally designated Economic Development District for the 11-county Atlanta region, is charged with updating metro Atlanta’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy every five years.

The 2022 update will provide a roadmap for regional stakeholders to work together in creating economic prosperity with an emphasis on equity, resiliency, and addressing the needs of the region’s underserved communities.

“Our region is at an important economic crossroads. The pandemic served to underscore the challenges facing many people of color and those at the lower end of the economic ladder,” said Mike Alexander, Senior Director of ARC’s Center for Livable Communities. “We need robust public input to help drive this planning effort in a way that addresses key issues such as rising housing costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and a lack of good, middle wage jobs. An inclusive, equitable economy is foundational to our region’s future success.”

This year’s CEDS update will build on ARC’s past economic development planning work, which led to the creation of several key initiatives, including:

• The Atlanta Regional Marketing Alliance, which convenes the region’s economic development organizations to promote metro Atlanta as a top destination for businesses looking to move or expand.
• The Metro Atlanta Housing Strategy, which helps local governments identify effective approaches to increase housing affordability and stability.
• Learn4Life (L4L), a collaborative effort of local school districts, communities, businesses, and nonprofits that uses data to identify best practices to improve educational outcomes.

As ARC develops the groundwork for the plan, we need a plan name that will motivate and inspire people from all over the region.  HELP US NAME OUR NEXT REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN! Visit our website (atlantaregionalceds2022.org) to enter your name ideas!

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 74 other cities.  The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.

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Contact Name: Paul Donsky
Contact Phone: (404) 202-4662
Contact Email: pdonsky@atlantaregional.com