The Regional Development Plan (RDP) is as a high-level policy guide for local governments and other regional leaders, covering key issues such as land use, quality of life, infrastructure, economic development, natural resource management, and intergovernmental coordination.
While meeting state requirements for regional planning, the RDP more boldly represents ARC’s vision for future growth and development in the 11-county metro Atlanta area. It is the foundation of many of ARC’s programs and resources that support local community leaders and partners. It also supports and informs other agency plans and initiatives such as the state-required Regional Resource Plan and federally required Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).
The plan includes a regional future land use element to help local government leaders make informed decisions on growth and development issues. ARC also utilizes the plan to develop policy and programmatic direction and for evaluating local applications for assistance and funding. The RDP must be updated every five years in compliance with state requirements.
Current RDP (2021, PDF, 92.1MB).
ARC staff are currently updating the RDP under the name Growing Together for 2050: Metro ATL Development Strategy to help our region prepare for what we want to be 25 years from now.
By making sound, informed decisions around growth and protection, we create a thriving region where economic vitality, environmental health, and community well-being grow together for the benefit of everyone.
In early 2025, ARC’s Community Development Department worked across departments at ARC and with outside partners to refine the vision for this new plan – its underlying intent, what it should be and do, and what we want plan users to do with it. The project team reviewed data, existing conditions, and trends. Plan development has continued with feedback from standing ARC committees and working groups, internal and external advisory committees, and the ARC Board – to identify plan needs, opportunities, and goals.
For questions about the RDP, please contact Andrew Smith at [email protected].
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.
