The Atlanta City Council on Monday approved the Downtown Atlanta Master Plan, a 15-year blueprint for the growth and redevelopment of the city’s core.

The legislation, co-sponsored by District 2 Councilmember Kwanza Hall and District 5 Councilmember Natalyn Archibong, impacts the area surrounded by Northside Drive, North Avenue, Boulevard and I-20.

“Over the past decade Downtown has flourished during business hours, adding thousands of new workers, Georgia State Students, concerts and festivals,” said Hall. “The Downtown Atlanta Master Plan, which Monday formally became part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, brings together a multitude of perspectives and expertise to lay the foundation for priorities over the next fifteen years, and will serve as a guidance for policy decisions and infrastructure improvements in the area.”

Archibong said it was important to the community to cultivate Downtown as a collection of neighborhoods that offer the best access to jobs, culture and greenspace. “I’m excited about the priority to diversify by adding thousands of people of all incomes living Downtown, and reinforce the area as an economic center while keeping community at the core,” she said.

Over the past year, residents, property owners, business owners and additional stakeholders worked with Central Atlanta Progress and the Bureau of Planning Staff to develop the plan, which makes recommendations for new housing, commercial growth, as well as transportation and parks and open space infrastructure improvements.

“Central Atlanta Progress is grateful to the thousands of individuals who engaged in the Downtown Master Plan process over the past 12 months. This plan is a true reflection of the community’s aspirations and desires for Downtown Atlanta,” said A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress. “We look forward to the continued collective spirit and commitment that will help to make the plan’s vision a reality as Downtown becomes a thriving full-service neighborhood—a place for everyone and where everyone wants to be.”

You can read INtown’s report on the Downtown Atlanta Master Plan at this link, while additional information can be found at www.PlanDowntownATL.com.