Atlanta's Pro-Density 'Comprehensive Development Plan' Stalls in City Council

Planning is politics, an Atlanta case study.

1 minute read

October 4, 2021, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Town Homes

RodClementPhotography / Shutterstock

"Atlanta will take a month to reconsider a controversial proposal to boost residential density in traditional neighborhoods," reports David Pendered.

The Atlanta Department of Planning and Development has been working on the proposed Comprehensive Development Plan for about a year, aiming to align the city's land use regulations with the Atlanta City Design vision created in 2017. The entire program has strong support from Mayor Keisha Bottoms and a template that echoes reforms supported by the Biden administration.

Now, however, Bottoms is not seeking reelection and the Comprehensive Development Plan is encountering opposition from councilmembers. Bottoms had emerged as a strong voice in support of pro-development planning reforms to deliver new housing supply to keep pace with rising demand (and prices) for housing.

Recommendations included in the current draft of the Comprehensive Development Plan include "providing housing for future residents by allowing owners to subdivide a house lot, and sell pieces of land for construction of one or more dwelling units," reports Pendered.

"Another plan is to allow a house near a MARTA rail station to be replaced by an apartment complex of eight units, or thereabouts."

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 in SaportaReport

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.