A debate common in growing cities around the country is taking place in Atlanta in answer to the question of how much support private developers need from the public.
"Determining when it’s appropriate to hand over public incentives to help propel private developments in Atlanta has become a contentious issue," reports Sean Keenan.
With Downtown Atlanta's shifting economic role, and increasing affluence, in mind, ThreadATL recently hosted a panel discussion on the issue, featuring members of the city's economic development organization, Invest Atlanta, "to hash out when it’s appropriate to offer public incentives to private companies," according to Keenan.
"The panel also hashed out the need to better define the urbanism goals of the city, which are now being boiled down into the new Intergovernmental Agreement between the city and Invest Atlanta," adds Keenan. The city's Downtown Facade Improvement Grant program is another specific policy point mentioned in the debate.
FULL STORY: Invest Atlanta leaders dish on when city should, shouldn’t give public incentives to developers
Atlanta Approves New Affordable Housing and Eviction Protection Funds
Several city resolutions will fund projects that help residents find housing and eviction prevention services.
Salt Lake City Bucks Downtown Decline Trend
The city’s central business district is bustling with more activity than before the pandemic.
A ‘Public Realm Action Plan’ Charts San Francisco’s Post-Covid Comeback
A nonprofit business group released a plan to trigger the post-pandemic revitalization of Downtown San Francisco by reclaiming public space for human scale activity. But is an improved public realm sufficient to meet the challenge?
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie