Making Great Communities Since 1968

GPA has provided resources and services to planners and communities for more than three decades.

In the 1970s and 1980s, popular programs included the Planners Lunch speaker series, legislation tracking, state and multi-state conferences, and professional development programs. GPA has grown since then as the population and importance of planning in Georgia has expanded. Early GPA members can attest to the importance that GPA has played in many diverse activities over the years.

Georgia is among the more progressive states in the U.S., given its state mandate to develop local and regional comprehensive plans. The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 has served the state well to establish a basis of community planning. During the 1990s, the state and GPA members were focused on achieving this first round of planning throughout Georgia. 

Now in its second decade, the Georgia Planning Act requirements have led to more sophisticated planning in Georgia even during a time when planning and regulations are coming under increased scrutiny.

GPA has been an advocate for good planning and a respected source of training and information over the years. Through conferences, Planners Lunch events, partnerships with other organizations for special events, the Community Planning Institute (CPI) and other activities, GPA has provided important resources to communities. In the coming decade, GPA will continue to mature and provide an organization where planners can share their expertise and ideas with policymakers and the general public for the benefit of Georgia and its citizens.

NOTE: GPA files a Form 990 annually with the IRS which is available upon request.

Planning History in GA

During 2008 the Georgia Chapter of APA and Atlanta Regional Commission interviewed key persons who could outline events, stories and the planning history that shaped metro Atlanta and Georgia. The interviews and video were partially funded by the APA.

Video Topics

Georgia history and in particular decisions that led to Georgia’s and metro Atlanta’s current infrastructure, patterns of growth and economic progress can offer important insights to current state and community leaders. Many persons who were influential or present during key historical growth and planning events in Georgia were selected for this project. Key topics for the interviews included:

  1. Decline and rebirth of City of Atlanta and other cities
  2. Atlanta Regional Plans and Metropolitan River Protection Act (MRPA)
  3. Georgia Planning and Zoning laws and legislation.
  4. Growth Strategies Commission and Georgia Planning Act
  5. Key infrastructure development – MARTA, Hartsfield airport, Buford Dam, I-285, Downtown Connector.
  6. Key local government planning and zoning decisions
  7. Creation of the Georgia Chapter of APA and merging national organizations to become APA.
  8. Impact of race and Civil Rights movement in growth and planning

Interviewees

Person interviewed for the history include:

  • Paul Kelman
  • Jerry Griffin
  • William Allison
  • Harry West
  • David Kirk
  • Inga Kennedy
  • Leon Eplan
  • Tom Roberts
  • Tom Weyandt
  • Chick Krautler

The video project was assisted by Tim Crimmins of Georgia State University, who provided funds to transcribe the videos. Lance Lipman also served as the videographer and professional editor for the project.