Coweta County was honored at the state capitol on Jan. 28 for being one of 10 communities to receive statewide distinction in the new “PlanFirst” program recognizing success in community planning initiatives.
The communities cited with Georgia’s first-ever “PlanFirst” designation have a proven track record of implementing their plan and a history of good plan development, according to the Ga. Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA).
The recognition by Gov. Nathan Deal followed the announcement by DCA in October.
“Good planning by local communities is the hallmark of economic growth,” DCA’s Gretchen Corbin said previously. “These are communities that can serve as statewide models for others in how to actively and strategically implement a vision for the future.”
The designation will last for three years beginning Jan. 1 and enables the selected communities to take advantage of various incentives that include public visibility, eligibility for funding and certain reduced interest loans, 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.
DCA developed the program with a steering committee comprised of partners including the Georgia Municipal Association, Association County Commissioner of Georgia, the Georgia Planning Association, the Regional Commissions, the University of Georgia Archways program and other state agencies including the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, the Historic Preservation Division and Ga. Environmental Protection Division.
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.
