Midtown Atlanta Named One of 15 Great Places in America by the American Planning Association
APA’s Annual List Recognizes 15 Great Neighborhoods, Streets, and Public Spaces
Washington, DC— The American Planning Association (APA) today named Midtown Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, as one of five Great Neighborhoods on the organization’s annual Great Places in America list, which marks the kick-off of APA’s National Community Planning Month celebration.
As part of National Community Planning Month, APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States demonstrating exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country. The Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2016 are places that are unique and exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity, and use of sustainable and innovative practices.
“The neighborhoods on this year’s list are a testament to the critical role of planning in creating more dynamic, equitable, economically healthy communities,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, president of APA. “Through careful thought, foresight, innovation, and cooperation, this year’s designees are building better places to live, work, play, and visit and setting an example for other neighborhoods nationwide. We congratulate them on their efforts and this worthy distinction.”
With its riches-to-rags-to-riches history, lively arts scene, and proactive planning and community building, Midtown Atlanta is the preeminent urban neighborhood in Atlanta. Midtown Atlanta stands out as a dense, mixed-use walkable area in a metro region that has experienced decades of sprawling growth.
“The urban experience in Midtown Atlanta continues to get better because of committed partners with common goals, carrying out a dynamic plan shaped by our community” said Midtown Alliance CEO Kevin Green. “This recognition is truly a shared win for the City of Atlanta, agency partners, the Midtown Improvement District, business leaders, and allied organizations working every day to make our neighborhood great.”
In addition to Midtown Atlanta, APA also recognized the following neighborhoods this year:
- Downtown Santa Ana – Santa Ana, California
- Old Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky
- Nob Hill – Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Downtown Warren – Warren, Rhode Island
Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 260 neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces around the country. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for the future.
For the third year, members of the public can suggest their favorite public space, neighborhood, or street to earn a “People’s Choice” designation. During the first half of October, individuals can offer suggestions via APA’s social media channels using the hashtag #APAgreatplaces. APA will then select five finalists that the public can vote on via APA’s website. The “People’s Choice” winner is announced in early November 2016.
For more information about these neighborhoods, as well as APA’s Great Public Spaces and Streets for 2016 and previous years, visit the APA Great Places webpage.
You can also find more about National Community Planning Month.
The American Planning Association is an independent, not- for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning — physical, economic and social — so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people’s lives. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. For more information, visit the APA website.
Midtown Alliance is a non-profit membership organization and a coalition of leading business and community leaders – united in our commitment to Midtown as a premiere destination for commerce, culture, education and living. Guided by a visionary master plan – Blueprint Midtown – and in partnership with the Midtown Improvement District, our mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work and play here. Midtown Alliance accomplishes this goal through a comprehensive approach to planning and development that includes initiatives to enhance public safety, improve the physical environment, and strengthen the urban amenities which give the area its unique character. Follow Midtown Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram.