Atlanta Launches “Plan A” to Shape Future Development and Preserve Heritage

Atlanta’s Latest Development Plan: Shaping the City’s Future

Atlanta just took a big step toward planning its future with the launch of “Plan A,” the newest update to the city’s comprehensive development scheme. It’s that time again — every five years, Atlanta is required to refresh this plan, and the latest round kicked off with a public meeting on November 18th at the city’s oldest residence.

This gathering wasn’t a small affair. Imagine a cozy historic home filled with city planners, community members, and history buffs, all eager to delve into Atlanta’s road ahead. Although there have been 43 behind-the-scenes meetings since February, this was the first of a series of public sessions that aim to involve the community. Next up? Transportation discussions on December 16th, housing on January 29th, climate resilience on January 30th, and a catch-all meeting on February 6th.

Preserving the Past, Planning the Future

The city’s representatives didn’t just show up to talk; they came to listen. Sticky notes in hand, the crowd was encouraged to jot down their thoughts and fire off questions about the comprehensive planning process. “We think that progress is more than building stuff around the city of Atlanta,” said the Office of Design Director, emphasizing how crucial it is to build communities — the healthy and sustainable kind.

Atlanta is playing it smart with a three-pronged approach to historic preservation, focusing on the Future Places Project, the African American Heritage Initiative, and the LGBTQ+ context statement. Doubling down on its quest to protect what makes the city unique, the Future Places Project is the first comprehensive look at historic preservation since the 1980s. They’ve been hard at work, landing landmark designations for historical treasures like the Kodak Building and the Atlanta Eagle Building.

Building on Heritage and Identity

Atlanta has also created an African American Heritage Coordinator position. From a strategic perch, this role will explore what historic preservation means to the Black community and ensure its stories are not overlooked. A similar strategy is in place for LGBTQ+ heritage, aiming to respect and preserve spaces that break away from traditional expectations of preservation.

As attendees nodded in agreement with the historic preservation wins, they had more on their mind — like rethinking preservation strategies and finding effective ways to communicate what historic designation actually means. Atlanta is looking to alter the preservation conversation, striving for a proactive stance that saves history before bulldozers arrive.

Voices from the Community

While there were cheers for progress, there were tense moments and direct questions, serving as reminders of the passion people feel for their city’s roots. According to community insiders, such engagement is critical. While the historic meeting venue added a nicely appointed backdrop, the ongoing dialogue is what will truly pulse life into “Plan A.”

The message from the community was clear: communication should be a two-way street, and not just a brief stop every five years. With hands-on input from the public, plans such as these can set a real course for not just surviving but thriving.

What’s Next?

The race is on to finalize these plans by July 2025. But there’s a long road ahead, with meetings and online feedback portals wide open for business. There’s hope in the air — hope that neighborhoods hold onto their identity, avoiding morphing into what many fear — just another big shopping mall.

Want to make a difference? You can still drop insights on “Plan A” online at the city’s dedicated platform or join one of the remaining public meetings. The ball is now in Atlanta’s court, and your critical input is what helps steer it towards a vibrant, authentic future.