ARC Celebrates Region’s Great Places, Releases Results of Historic Poll

November 4,2013

Pointing to his recently published findings, keynote speaker Chris Leinberger said the Atlanta region is a national leader in developing Walkable Urban Places (WalkUPs), key components in the region’s future economic success. Leinberger spoke to more than 1,000 regional leaders on November 1, 2013, at the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) 15th annual State of the Region Breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center. These WalkUPs - whether inside I-285 like Downtwon Atlanta and downtown Decatur, or outside, like downtown Marietta and downtown Hapeville – allow people to live near jobs, shopping and services. WalkUPs also allow the region to grow its population in places where critical infrastructure like roads and sewer already exist, a less expensive development pattern than greenfield patterns that require new infrastructure.

Prior to Leinberger’s speech, ARC Chairman Tad Leithead presented his annual State of the Region Address in which he unveiled the findings of a new public opinion survey called Metro Atlanta Speaks. The survey is the largest of its kind in metro Atlanta history and provides ARC with the perspective of regional residents on quality of life issues like education, transportation, housing, the economy and more. Leithead also presented an ARC report on the implementation of PLAN 2040, the agency’s long-range plan for the region. PLAN 2040 is a partnership between ARC and its 10 county and 70 city governments. 

ARC also presented Developments of Excellence awards to four deserving projects, and blues legend Francine Reed opened the breakfast with a stirring medley of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and “America the Beautiful.”