Download the Chapter Awards Recipient PD

Georgia Communities Earn State, National Honors

Atlanta’s Ansley Park Named a Great Neighborhood by the American Planning Association

(ATLANTA – November 6, 2010) Atlanta’s Ansley Park community was recently selected as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods in the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America program for 2011. Our of more than 100 entries, Ansley Park – located near Piedmont Park in the Midtown area – was selected for its functionality, sustainability, unique character and public participation.

According to the American Planning Association (APA), it was most impressed by the community’s 14 lush parks and the fact that no home in the 275-acre neighborhood is more than a 10-minute walk from one of the parks. The APA also noted the sustainability and continued popularity of the 107-year-old neighborhood.

Statewide Awards

While celebrating the selection of Ansley Park as a national “Great Place,” the Georgia Planning Association (GPA) was also busy naming statewide award winners.

The Georgia Planning Association (GPA) has provided resources and services to planners and communities for more than three decades, offering education, legislative support, the Community Planning Institute and other resources. Each year, GPA rewards local communities and regional commissions for their work to make Georgia a better place to live. 

The 2011 Chapter Awards were given to plans and projects that showed innovation, transferability, quality, effectiveness of implementation, public participation, technology, equity and sustainability.

The winners of the 2011 GPA Chapter Awards were:

Atlanta Beltline’s D.H. Stanton Park Redevelopment Project, Great Places in Georgia, Great Public Spaces – The City of Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. partnered to redevelop this park into the first energy-cost neutral park in Atlanta. According to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, the park will serve as a best-in-class model for other parks and other cities to follow.

Roswell’s Canton Street, Great Places in Georgia, Great Streets – Billed as the hottest scene outside the perimeter, Canton Street in Roswell provides walkability and activity for residents and visitors of all ages. Patrons enjoy outdoor dining, along with shops, trees and pedestrian amenities like benches and lighting. Some compare Canton Street to the Virginia Highlands community in Atlanta.

City of Dunwoody Transportation Plan, Outstanding Planning Process Large Community – The City of Dunwoody teamed with ARCADIS to create a comprehensive transportation plan. The planning process was unique, as it first named a citizen advisory committee that served as a sounding board for overall plan and direction. The community at large was invited to participate through several interactive public meetings, and GPA felt that the entire process was inventive, transparent and responsible while encouraging a close community atmosphere.

City of Doraville’s 2010 Downtown Master Plan LCI Study, Outstanding Planning Document Large Community – With a title of “To dare mighty things…,” the City of Doraville created a plan document that provides practical transportation linkages within the community and ties them to economic development. The plan establishes an implementation-oriented plan for the redevelopment of the 165-acre GM site and the revitalization of surrounding areas. The planning process brought together residents, businesses, property owners, developers and economic development officials to make recommendations at generating economic growth, preserving local diversity, expanding opportunities for aging in place and ensuring sustainability.

City of Valdosta’s Downtown Master Plan, Outstanding Planning Document Large Community – The City of Valdosta engaged stakeholders in its vibrant historic core and in its struggling southside to develop a concept that focuses on four cardinal points around the core, projects that create diverse public spaces and innovative planning methods to bring equity between north and south. In order to implement the plan, planners selected the “top ten” priority actions that would lead to execution of the larger catalyst projects.

Augusta’s Heritage Pine, Historic Laney Walker Community, Outstanding Plan Implementation Large Community – The City of Augusta begins a multi-phased approach to redevelopment, growth and sustainability in the inner-city Laney Walker community with the Heritage Pine neighborhood. This project will replace a blighted neighborhood with 26 new single-family, energy-efficient, affordable homes, three rental duplexes and community green space. This is the demonstration project for the larger revitalization plan.

Implementing Auburn’s Vision, Outstanding Plan Implementation Small Community – The City of Auburn grew from 691 people in 1980 to 6,900 in 2000, motivating city staff to initiate a strategic plan in 2005 that revealed the core values of the citizenry and the business community. From that strategic plan came Auburn Vision 2015, the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, the 2010 Strategic Implementation Plan and the 2011 Auburn Redevelopment Plan. These documents have served to help identify funding and implementation of City resources to build out Auburn’s vision over the last 16 years. 

Columbus’ Community Planning All Year Round Initiative, Outstanding Educational Tool Large Community – This City of Columbus initiative provides citizens with information and full access to land use and transportation planning decisions, as well as project development in a convenient and timely manner. The package of tools includes email blasts, a quarterly newsletter, social networking sites, video, a redesigned website and community events.

Thomasville Community Landmarks Multi-Use Trail, Outstanding Initiatives Small Community – This 14-mile pedestrian trail circumnavigates the city, connecting to residential historic districts, commercial areas and recreational facilities. The initiative promotes public-private partnerships to fund the trail and facilitate redevelopment in Thomasville. The trail is divided into five phases and works in tandem with the city’s redevelopment plan.

ARC’s PLAN 2040 Regional Agenda, Outstanding Initiatives Large Community – PLAN 2040 is the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 30-year plan for the future of the Atlanta region. It is founded on the pillars of environmental, economic and social sustainability. The planning process brought together planners, local governments, citizens, elected officials and business/nonprofit stakeholders for more than two years as PLAN 2040 was developed. The plan was adopted by ARC in July.

Chatham County’s “Rediscovering Roots:” A Food Policy Planning Initiative, Outstanding Initiative Large Community Honorable Mention – Savannah’s leaders harkened back to the days of the colony’s conception when food system planning played a prominent role in James Oglethorpe’s vision. Addressing the dependence of the food system on fossil fuels and the failure of markets to meet the needs of low-income families, the plan returns to Savannah’s traditions when local food was plentiful.

Georgia Tech’s Fort McPherson Community Action Plan, Outstanding Student Project – The Georgia Tech Planning Studio responded to the concerns of the neighborhoods around Atlanta’s Fort McPherson as the base’s closure and redevelopment loomed in 2010. Students provided assistance to a community action plan and helped residents influence the planning process to create redevelopment that meets the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods. 

David Howerin, Planning Director for Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, Distinguished Leadership Award – Mr. Howerin leads the regional commission’s staff in providing planning services for local governments in a 15-county area around Rome. He advises elected and appointed officials on a variety of topics from comprehensive planning, to solid waste management, to intergovernmental coordination. Howerin has played a large role in developing job training and neighborhood improvements within the regional commission boundaries for the last 30 years, and helped the area obtain a $21 million Broadband Technology Opportunity Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Cam Jordan, Distinguished Leadership Award – Cam Jordan spent more than 20 years in a series of self-help programs for recovering Journalism and Psychology majors before spending the last 13 as Community Development Director for the City of Fitzgerald. He advocates for safe, decent and affordable housing from his own two-room cabin on a local pond. When not working, Cam is a woodworker who enjoys the company of his dog and cat.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field; three years of experience in planning or property development activities; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Salary & Benefits
$41,016 (min) – $51,270 (mkt)

How to Apply
MUST visit www.roswellgov.com to review the complete job description and complete an on-line job application. Resumes accepted only as supplement to City of Roswell job application.

Deadline
02/20/2012

GPA’s Legislative Committee has been attending the aforementioned task force meetings, and is tracking these proposed changes as they unfold. In addition, your GPA Board has developed a position statement to offer to DCA on behalf of Georgia planners. You can find a copy here….. It is anticipated that the DCA task force will also be revisiting the Comprehensive Planning rules in 2012, and the GPA Legislative Committee will follow this with great interest. For more information, contact DCA or any member of the GPA Board or Legislative Committee.

DOWNLOAD THE POSITION STATEMENT (PDF)

Essential Duties

• Administers the provisions of the county zoning ordinance including regulations for signs, subdivision regulations, and various zoning and land use codes.
• Prepares analysis and recommendations on requests for property re-zoning and conducts site inspections as needed.
• Reviews commercial development plans, subdivision plats, final and revised final plats for approval or denial based upon applicable policies and ordinances.
• Represents the county in meetings with developers, engineers, citizens, community organizations and others regarding planning and zoning activities and attends after hour meetings as needed.
• Interviews applicants, researches and processes zoning and variance requests.
• Works with various county and state agencies on special projects as needed.
• Ensures completion of legal provisions of rezoning and variance applications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of department and county policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the practice and principles of zoning and short and long-range planning.
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local zoning laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the provisions of the county zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations and property platting processes.
• Exceptional skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up assignments with minimum of direction.
• Skill in operating modern office equipment.
• Skill in basic computer applications for word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to exercise judgment in dealing with complex factors.
• Ability to interpret vague or ambiguous zoning language.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in City Planning, Urban Planning or related field. Bachelor degree preferred.
• Five to seven years’ experience directly related to zoning issues.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary & Benefits
$38,127 – $49,499

How to Apply
Apply online: www.rockdalecounty.org

Deadline
02/06/2012

Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Geography or a related field, (Master’s Degree in Planning preferred) and three to five years of progressively responsible related experience, or any combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning; the practices of site plan review; of federal, state and local laws related to land use planning activities; of the geography of the city and other local areas and of accepted planning practices and procedures. Skill in developing and implementing policies and procedures; problem solving and decision-making; operating standard office equipment and in oral and written communication.

Salary & Benefits
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers an excellent benefits package. The salary range for this position is $36,899.04 to $56,146.26. Benefits include the following: 

• Low-cost Medical Insurance
• 100% City Paid Retirement Plan
• Flexible Benefit Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plans
• Dental Programs
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Prescription Drug Card
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Life Insurance Plans
• Disability Plan

How to Apply
Apply on-line immediately at www.columbusga.org

Candidates will be evaluated throughout the recruiting period.

Questions and inquiries may be directed to:
Thomas Barron, Human Resources Director
Columbus Consolidated Government
P. O. Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia 31902-1340
Telephone: 706-653-4059
Facsimile: 706-653-4066
E-mail: tbarron@columbusga.org

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Deadline
03/31/2012

The Georgia Chapter of the American Planning Association (GPA) is a 900 plus membership based association of planning professionals, local officials and interested citizens. The purpose of the Chapter is to encourage, promote and assist physical, economic, and human resources planning within the State of Georgia and to further the purposes of the American Planning Association, including but not limited to the following:

• To provide for the exchange of ideas and to disseminate information to public officials and others engaged in or interested in planning and community development;
• To foster meetings, conferences, and educational programs relating to planning and development;
• To promote and support research and publications relating to planning and development and other pertinent subjects;
• To develop programs for the examination and continuing education of professional planners; and
• To otherwise promote understanding, cooperation, coordination, and support necessary for progressive planning and development throughout the State of Georgia.

To support the Chapter’s purposes, the Georgia Planning Association hosts multiple events throughout the calendar year including but not limited to an annual 2.5 day Conference and Board of Directors Meeting, a 1 to 1.5 day Spring Conference and Board of Directors Meeting, and 2-3 partial day events held either in the Atlanta area or elsewhere in the State.

GPA is seeking an individual as a part-time independent contractor for event planning and organization management assistance for GPA’s Spring and Fall conferences, and for board meetings throughout the calendar year. The candidate must be able to anticipate project needs, discern work priorities, meet deadlines, coordinate with GPA Board members and committees, and be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

The candidate should have a love for special event management, provide outstanding customer service, be an enthusiastic professional, and be able to build relationships with internal and external customers.

The scope of work primarily includes but is not limited to the following based on the direction of the GPA President:

• • Provide support to the Vice President of Programs with negotiations for space contracts, book event space, arrange food and beverage, order supplies and audiovisual equipment, order event signs, and ensure appropriate décor (florals, linens, color schemes, etc.) to meet the quality expectations of GPA;
• • Gather information on each project to achieve quality event productions;
• • Conduct research, make site visits, and find resources to help Board and Committees make decisions about event possibilities as authorized by the GPA President;
• • Create and revise room layouts for each event;
• • Propose ideas to improve the event planning and implementation process;
• • Serve as liaison with vendors on event-related matters, including but not limited to caterers and audio visual vendors;
• • Assist with managing on-site production and clean up for events as necessary;
• • Prepare registration materials and process, coordinate finances of registration with GPA Treasurer;
• • Develop registration and conference information material with assistance from the Programs Committee;
• • Manage the actual multi-day events;
• • Solicit, organize, publish and print the conference material via website or paper as needed and appropriate;
• • Post Certification Maintenance (CM) information on the APA website;
• • Manage all post conference registration close-out and follow up details;
• • Assist in organization of GPA student and member volunteers for conferences;
• • Assist Treasurer with registration and conference finances;
• • Prepare nametags, materials, notebooks, packages, gift bags, registration lists, seating cards, etc.;
• • Close out all events as required;
• • Coordinate and provide support to GPA’s Vice President of Programs, Programs Committee and any local Host Committees to implement all events; and
• • Perform other similar duties as directed by the GPA President.

Event Administration:

• • Assist with preparing budgets and provide periodic progress reports to staff directors for each event project;
• • Keep track of event finances including check requests, invoicing, and reporting;
• • Coordinate appointments and visits to see our space, and scheduling of events on the calendar; and
• • Prepare and modify event contracts as requested.

Salary & Benefits
This is a part-time independent contractor position with GPA designed to specifically support GPA’s Spring and Fall conferences and similar events. The negotiated contract will be hourly not to exceed an agreed upon amount. As an independent contractor it is the responsibility of the candidate to pay all federal, state and local taxes. Interested candidates should also note that work is significantly concentrated around the Spring and Fall conference events.

How to Apply
Please send all resumes or proposals to:
Laura Keyes, AICP at president@georgiaplanning.org

Or mail hard copies to:
Laura Keyes, AICP
Atlanta Regional Commission
40 Courtland St, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Deadline
Position open until filled.

With a near full-house in attendance for the awards luncheon GPA closed out its 2011 Fall Conference on Friday, September 30, bidding a fond farewell to Georgia’s coastal jewel, the fabulous city of Savannah. After 3 days of insightful sessions and discussion everyone fittingly took some time to celebrate some of the many special projects and people that have raised the craft of planning and helped their communities grow stronger and more beautiful. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and we hope you will all take the time to review these projects and see how GPA members are working to serve Georgia and its hometowns.

The weather during the conference was wonderful and more than 240 GPA members had the chance to not only enjoy the actual conference but to also sample early previews of the Octoberfest celebrations setting up around the city. Professor Douglas Allen, speaking to more than 125 people, opened the event with a witty and in-depth look at the history of Savannah and how it influenced urban form in Georgia. From there attendees had their pick of several tracks and mobile workshop options that showcased the best ideas and most current issues facing planners today. Our mobile workshops enjoyed fantastic turnouts and strong reviews across the board, with special praise for the tour of the ports facilities. We also heard the latest from DCA staff and others about the current political climate and potential changes and challenges facing community planning in Georgia. We also began the final day of the conference with record participation levels in meetings for each of GPA’s four committees as we plotted our work plan for the coming year.

All in all this was a great conference for GPA and we hope everyone learned something new and enjoyed their time in Savannah. Despite the tough times enough people came out to support GPA that the conference covered its costs, due also in large part to tremendous support from our sponsors. If you were one of those fortunate enough to join us, thank you for coming! If you couldn’t make it this year we will be sure to save you a seat for the 2012 Annual Conference!

Special Kudos and Thank You to:

• Our hosts at the Marriott Savannah Riverside
• All our gracious and wonderful sponsors
• Jack Butler and the Local Host Committee for pulling together mobile workshops, promotional material and nominating sessions
• The Programs Committee members for coordinating the sessions
• All our volunteer session presenters and speakers
• All our students and other volunteers who helped with daily activities
• Jessica Gibson, GPA executive Director, for doing practically everything to make this event a success

Presentations

Presentations are available as PDF downloads below.

AICP Presentations

• Foundations of Modern American City Planning
• Significant Events in American Planning History
• Functional Areas of Practice
• AICP Exam Prep Plan Making 2011