The city of Atlanta approved its largest development project since the 1960s back in November, but still needed the school district to sign off on a funding plan to help for the $1.9 billion in public subsidies that will support the project.
"The Atlanta school board today approved a deal, derided by some, that would end its fight with the City of Atlanta and allow the use of school property taxes to help pay for the Gulch project," reports Vanessa McCray.
"The deal is a complicated give-and-take with the city that Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said amounts to a $130 to $180 million win for the school district," according to McCray. Opponents of the plan, however, say the school district will lose $520 million due to the deal.
"For months, APS and the city have battled over the city’s plan to use school taxes for the Gulch project," according to McCray. "The public financing package includes up to $1.25 billion in future sales taxes plus $625 million in property taxes collected within the Westside Tax Allocation District, or TAD. APS taxes would make up roughly half of those property taxes, with the city and Fulton County chipping in the remainder."
FULL STORY: Atlanta school board approves deal to end its Gulch tax battle with city
$1.9 Billion Public Financing Plan for Atlanta Mega-Project Headed to Appeal
The sage over The Gulch development project—soon to be renamed Centennial Yards—will continue after project opponents filed an appeal of a June court decision upholding public financing for the project.
Court Ruling Clears $1.9 Billion in Public Money for Atlanta Mega-Project
A $5 billion redevelopment project in Atlanta, named Centennial Yards, will receive substantial public support.
Skyline Redefining Mega-Project Approved in Atlanta
The city of Atlanta has approved its largest development project since the 1960s.
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