Atlanta — May 10, 2023
The Atlanta Regional Commission announced today that it will provide critical planning and technical support to five metro Atlanta communities through the agency’s Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP).
The projects were chosen through a competitive process that solicited proposals from local governments, Community Improvement Districts, and non-profits across the Atlanta region. ARC will provide a combination of staffing resources and grants to the selected communities to support a wide range of initiatives that aim to improve quality of life for residents.
Priority was given to applications that demonstrated an active partnership between the local government and a community-based organization, reflecting CDAP’s continuing efforts to focus on advancing community resiliency and social equity. Additionally, the program works to benefit community members who have been negatively impacted by past planning efforts.
“This year’s CDAP projects are highly innovative and hold the potential to spark meaningful change,” said Samyukth Shenbaga, Managing Director of Community Development at ARC. “These are the kind of ideas and initiatives needed to improve quality of life and make our region more equitable. We’re excited to roll up our sleeves and get started.”
ARC evaluated applicants based on eight regional priority issues that were developed based on feedback from local governments:
The City of Suwanee will work with ARC staff to build upon the 2015 Downtown Suwanee Master Plan Update to develop a vision for an activity node at the intersection of Buford Highway and Russell Street to better connect the Old Town and Suwanee Town Center. The project will guide desired downtown land uses based on market studies and inform design guidelines for future buildings and public spaces in the area.
The College Park Housing Authority will work with ARC staff to engage in community outreach for an ongoing redevelopment feasibility study for the College View Hills development. This project will allow residents from College View Hills and surrounding neighborhoods to help guide redevelopment of this space to meet the needs of all community members.
Grant Amount: $300,000
DeKalb County will receive a project grant to assist in developing a two-year master plan for an area along the Stone Mountain PATH Trail. This project will bring together cross-jurisdictional stakeholders to help align planning goals and regulations to create more affordable housing, multimodal transportation options, and places for the community to work and play.
Grant Amount: $125,000
Henry County will receive a project grant to assist in assessing new fixed-route local bus services in Henry County between McDonough and Stockbridge. The study will develop the proposed bus route into a more transit-friendly corridor by designing bus stops, bus stop signs, bus stop shelters, landscaping, sidewalks, crosswalks, flashing beacon lights and other “transit creative placemaking” concepts that prioritize safety and accessibility.
The City of Marietta will work with the Georgia Conservancy to conduct a trail activation study for the Mountain to River (M2R) Trail that links Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and beyond. The study aims to reinvigorate access to Marietta Square and use creative art installations and other amenities that encourage greater use of the trail.
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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 74 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: Olivia Haas
Contact Phone: (470) 378-1516
Contact Email: ohaas@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.
