The Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA) on Sept. 30 announced Coweta County was among 10 cities and counties to be designated as “PlanFirst” communities based on successful planning initiatives.
“Good planning by local communities is the hallmark of economic growth,” said Gretchen Corbin, DCA Gretchen Corbin. “These are communities that can serve as statewide models for others in how to actively and strategically implement a vision for the future.”
The communities recognized for excellence in planning efforts included Coweta County, Athens-Clarke County, Johnson County, Jones County and the cities of Braselton, Gainesville, Madison, Suwanee, Vienna and Woodstock.
Those citations in Georgia’s first-ever “PlanFirst” designation acknowledges the communities that have a proven track record of implementing their plan and a history of good plan development, according to DCA.
The PlanFirst program received 30 applications in its inaugural year. Eligible communities were required to address four primary program criteria focused on having a proven record of plan implementation success: goals, leadership, community participation and implementation.
The designation will last for three years, beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and enables the selected communities to take advantage of various incentives that include public visibility, eligibility for funding and certain reduced interest loans.
Communities will receive their awards during “PlanFirst Day” at the Capitol on Jan. 28, 2015, which will celebrate Georgia’s new PlanFirst designation in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Georgia Planning Act.
