Saporta Report Guest Column | By Tracy Styf | Jan 9, 2025
As I look back at the progress we’ve made since the establishment of the Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) in 1997, I am filled with a sense of pride in the role we’ve played in shaping the community.
While we represent just 1.8 percent of Cobb County’s land area, our district generates an annual economic impact of $12.6 billion, supports more than 35,000 jobs across 1,500 businesses, and is home to 13,000 residents — many of whom are millennials and Gen Z. Our commercial property value exceeds $758 million, and our job growth has outpaced Cobb County by 30 percent. These figures demonstrate the importance of our work and our commitment to advancing safety, beautification, economic growth and infrastructure improvements that benefit residents, businesses and visitors.
Who we are
The Town Center community is much more than just a geographic area; it’s a vibrant ecosystem enriched with businesses, academic institutions and residential neighborhoods. At the heart of this community is the partnership between the Town Center CID and our nonprofit partner, the Town Center Community Alliance, which we established in 2015. Together, we focus on projects that enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or visits our community.
The CID has always taken the lead on larger infrastructure projects. We begin with the initial planning effort, conduct necessary studies and develop concept designs that make our projects competitive for additional federal, state and local funding. This approach allows us to lay the groundwork for transformative initiatives that might otherwise never come to fruition. The Alliance complements our efforts by supporting a variety of initiatives such as public art installations, parks and a successful bikeshare program that has logged nearly 100,000 rides. These projects not only beautify our district but also help attract new businesses and residents, contributing to the economic vitality of the area.
Expanding our scope
In 2000, we recognized our community’s needs were evolving, so we expanded our focus to include parks, recreation facilities and land-use planning. This expansion allowed us to better align our efforts with the broader needs of the community, ensuring our work supports not just economic growth but the overall well-being of those who live and work here.
One of our most notable achievements in this regard has been establishing the Noonday Creek Trail and Bells Ferry Trailhead. But we didn’t stop there. We worked to transform this trail into a community resource through projects like Aviation Park. This project included the CID securing the funding for the design and construction of the park. We transformed what was once a vacant lot into a vibrant community space featuring green areas, a STEM playground and facilities that replicate the nearby airport control tower. The Alliance then stepped in to secure additional funding and partnered with Kennesaw State University to design educational exhibits that align with Georgia Standards of Excellence. This collaboration has turned Aviation Park into a valuable community asset that serves both recreational and educational purposes.
Strategic and financial planning
Our funding strategy is diverse and robust, drawing from various sources, including grants from foundations and government agencies, contributions from commercial property owners, and tax-deductible donations to the Alliance. This diversified strategy allows us to undertake significant projects that might be out of reach for other organizations.
Since our founding, we’ve invested $62.3 million in transportation projects while leveraging more than $210 million in additional funds. This year, we’re wrapping up the South Barrett Reliever, the largest infrastructure project in our history, which is set to reduce traffic on Barrett Parkway by 22 percent while completing the southern portion of a vital loop network. We also allocate nearly $1 million annually for beautification and maintenance, ensuring our district remains inviting and well-maintained.
Innovation has also been central to our work. Whether it’s the Skip Spann Connector, a lighted bridge that has become a local landmark, or the bike share program, we are always looking for new ways to serve our community. These efforts are not about being the first for the sake of it but about finding solutions that meet the needs of our residents in creative and effective ways.
Planning for the future
As we look to the future, we are guided by a comprehensive Strategic Plan that sets clear goals and priorities. This plan is not just a checklist of projects; it’s a roadmap for how we can continue to make the Town Center community thrive. Current and upcoming projects include the South Barrett Reliever Phase 3, which will further ease traffic congestion (opening in 2025), and landscape design improvements that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of our community. Additionally, we were recently awarded a $200,000 Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). This funding presents a valuable opportunity to shape the future of our community. The grant will support an update to Town Center’s decade-old LCI plan, paving the way for a new chapter of growth and sustainability.
We’re also working on long-term initiatives, including a seven-mile complete street loop network that will connect key destinations within the Town Center community. More than just a trail, this multi-use network integrates connected trails and roadways, enhancing mobility and accessibility throughout the heart of the district. When completed, it will be a major asset for the area, improving safety and quality of life while providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Engaging the community
Community input has always been central to our work. In 2024, we hosted 20 outreach events, engaging over 1,200 individuals. The best projects are those addressing the needs and aspirations of the people who will use them. Through meetings, work sessions, events, and public outreach, we ensure our residents and stakeholders are heard and considered at every stage of our planning process.
As we continue to grow and develop the Town Center community, our commitment remains as strong as ever. By working together through the CID, the Alliance and partnerships with Cobb County government, ARC and other organizations vital to our mission, we’re building a space that is welcoming, connected and thriving, one project at a time. We’re not just planning for today; we’re laying the groundwork for a future where our community can continue to prosper for generations to come.
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