ARC develops a Regional Resource Plan to protect and manage metro Atlanta’s natural and cultural resources. City Agriculture Planning aligns with two adopted policies outlined in the Regional Resource Plan. Creating and protecting space for urban farms, gardens, and orchards fulfills the plan’s objectives to preserve passive greenspaces as well as preserving areas for local food production activities.
The City Agriculture Plan program was launched in 2018 to address major findings of Atlanta’s Local Food Baseline Report developed by local non-profit Food Well Alliance (FWA). This comprehensive review of the metro Atlanta regional food system revealed a need for growers and community members to have more meaningful participation in the development and implementation of policies and programs affecting local food and agriculture.
FWA and ARC partnered in 2019 to develop the region’s first City Agriculture Plan for the City of East Point, Georgia. From 2019 to present, FWA and ARC have worked with three other cities from across FWA’s five-county service area to develop City Agriculture Plans: Alpharetta, Jonesboro, and Austell.
The Austell City Agriculture Plan focuses on uniting Austell neighbors by providing educational opportunities that ensure inclusivity and invite intergenerational stewards, fostering a life-long culture of learning and engagement.
Austell City Agriculture Plan (PDF - 67 MB)
Through a community driven process, this plan identifies local food assets and offers recommendations on how the City of East Point can support its community food system.
East Point City Agriculture Plan (PDF - 26 MB)
![Alpharetta_City_Agriculture_Plan1024_1[1]](https://atlantaregional.org/wp-content/uploads/alpharetta-city-agriculture-plan1024-11.jpg "Alpharetta_City_Agriculture_Plan1024_1[1]")
In partnership with Food Well Alliance, ARC and the City of Alpharetta conducted robust community engagement culminating in a City Agriculture Plan to support and grow Alpharetta’s current community food system. The City unanimously adopted the region's second City Agriculture Plan in 2022 and is now using the $75,000 grant to implement the plan recommendations.
Alpharetta City Agriculture Plan (PDF - 5 MB)
The Jonesboro City Agriculture Plan intersects with the work of other key local partners to be a framework for actions that will strengthen the local food system through collaboration.
Jonesboro City Agriculture Plan (pdf – 8 MB)
ARC also provides the Community Gardening Manual, a guide to implementing a community garden originally developed in 2010 as part of the Senior Community Garden Initiative. It offers information for individuals and organizations interested in learning more about how to start and sustain participation in a community garden.
Community Gardening Manual (pdf – 25 MB)
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.
