Happy New Year from the Council
The Council for Quality Growth would like to wish you and your family a healthy ,happy and prosperous New Year. Have a joyous and wonderful New Year. 

Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding Releases Final Report
The Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding released its final report earlier this week. 

Click HERE to read the AJC's coverage of the report. 

Click HERE to read the report. 


Atlanta Streetcar Takes Inaugural Ride 
The Atlanta Streetcar opened for public use on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at its grand opening ceremony at Woodruff Park. The new form of public transit will feature 12 stops throughout its 2.7 mile track, connecting various neighborhoods, entertainment venues and tourist attractions around the city. The streetcar will run from 6a.m. until 11p.m., and until 1a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In an effort to encourage people to use the new transit system, the city will offer free fares for the first three months. The streetcars will cost $1 per ride after the first three months end. 

Brent Reid Reflects on His Year as Council Chairman

As 2014 comes to a close, I hope we can all agree we are experiencing a rejuvenated real estate market and an industry that finally has the wind to our back. Just as our industry has enjoyed new growth and resurgence, so has the Council - from increased membership to a record Four Pillar Tribute - just to list a couple of 2014 accomplishments. 

 

Read More

Mike Alexander Presents Demographics Analysis at Cobb Advisory Meeting

On December 17, 2014, ARC Research Division Chief Mike Alexander presented a demographic analysis of the Metro Atlanta Region at the monthly Cobb County Advisory Committee Meeting held at the offices of Traton Homes in Marietta, Georgia.


Read More

Georgia Department of Economic Development Releases Governor's High Demand Career Initiative Report 
Last week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), in collaboration with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, released the Governor's High Demand Career Initiative Report. Over the course of 13 meetings with various companies throughout Georgia, GDEcD was able to detect several key trends among Georgia's most prominent industries. 


Council Submits Comments to EPA on "Waters of the United States"

This fall, a coalition of interests, representing Georgia's Regulated Communities and Conservation Organizations, met at the Georgia State Capitol before a Joint House and Senate Committee to discuss the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal of new regulations expanding regulatory jurisdiction over waters throughout the United States.  The proposed rule by the EPA, changes the definition of "Waters of the United States" under the "Clean Water Act" (CWA) and has caused much debate throughout Georgia's various industries.

 

Read More 

January 1, 2015

What are Council Members saying about their investment in the Council for Quality Growth?


 
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
2015 DeKalb County State of the County Address
January 22


Click 

2015 Cherokee County State of the County Address
February 11


Click HERE

In the Loop: Transfer of Development Rights: An Opportunity for Growth and Economic Development 

Local government organizations have implemented a variety of mechanisms for the preservation of the natural environment. In fact, many local governments have collaborated with the development community to establish programs that consider all vantage points on such matters. In response to sprawling conditions of the post-World War II suburbanization movements, many communities find it more desirable to allow larger numbers of units in smaller spaces than to have fewer units spread out over a larger space, increasing density in certain areas while preserving nature in others. The desirability of increased density stems from its promotion of a healthier and walkable lifestyle through the attraction of mixed use facilities. This results in reduced infrastructure costs due to the compactness of development, which promotes higher property values because of its proximity to urban centers. As more Millennials migrate to vibrant urban environments rather than sprawled suburban neighborhoods, the market demand for city centers and high density developments will only increase.

 
Council for Quality Growth Seeking SPRING 2015 Interns
It is that time of year again when many undergraduate and graduate students are finalizing their spring semester schedules.  The Council is currently seeking independent, dedicated individuals to serve in spring internships with the agency.  These internships will be structured learning opportunities geared to teach "real world applications" of public policy development.

 

Those seeking a bachelor's or master's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Political Science or other Public Policy related areas of study will be most successful.  Other areas of study including Economics, Environmental Studies, Environmental Design or Engineering, Real Estate, Business Administration, and Geography are also welcome.  Interns will be expected to research various public policy issues affecting the agency, write articles for newsletters, and assist regular staff with formulating real public policies affecting our members.

 

Please Note: This is an unpaid internship.  Working schedule is flexible due to the responsibilities classes demand.

 

For a complete overview of the Council internship requirements and description, click HERE or contact James Touchton at  JT@CouncilforQualityGrowth.org.

 


Atlanta Business Chronicle Highlights Council Advisory Committees

 

 

In a special section featuring the Council for Quality Growth and its Four Pillar Tribute, the Atlanta Business Chronicle featured the work of the Council's seven advisories and the role that they play in helping to shape the continued growth of the Metro Atlanta Region. The article features examples of the types of policies that have been influenced by Council Advisory committees, as well as quotes from Council members on the benefit that Advisories provide to their businesses.

 

To read the article, click HERE.



________________________________________

Join The Council for Quality Growth! Membership Benefits include:

Council for Quality Growth Policy Highlights

The Council for Quality Growth advocates for the growth and development industry with the mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth in Metro Atlanta and Georgia through the platforms of Advocacy, Education and Information. We work with thousands of elected officials, administrators and staff across Metro Atlanta's more than 80 local governments plus state agencies and legislative and executive leadership. We collaborate to ensure that planning, zoning and other local, regional and state regulatory policies promote thriving communities, strong infrastructure and a prospering economy. We actively advocate and lobby in city council, county commission, regional commission and state legislative and regulatory forums. 

 

Members, in turn, receive exclusive access to the most comprehensive information about regulatory and policy issues in the region. We educate local and state elected officials and professional staff who regularly seek our policy advice and input.

 

To view the Council's Government Affairs and Policy achievements over the past 18 months, click HERE
   
Advisory Committees

Each month, the Council holds Advisory Committee meetings for members. These meetings occur at the same day and time each month and offer members the opportunity to interact with state and local elected officials, as well as county and city staff, including county and city managers, planning and zoning staff, transportation staff, economic development heads and watershed management staff.

 

Advisory Committees are one of the premier benefits of Council membership and all members are encouraged to attend. As a member, you are eligible to attend any of the Advisory Committees listed below.

  • To learn about each of our seven Advisory Committees in more detail, click HERE.
  • To see a schedule of all Advisory speakers, click HERE.
  • To see a master schedule of all meeting times and locations, click HERE.
  • To see a calendar view of this information, view the calendar below or click HERE.

 
Please contact James Touchton at JT@CouncilforQualityGrowth.org for more information or to be added to one or all of the Advisory email lists.



To view all Advisory Committee Meetings, 

Click HERE


To view the Advisory Calendar on the Council Website and Register Online for the Advisory Meeting of your choice, 

Click HERE

The Council for Quality Growth | 770-813-3370 | jt@councilforqualitygrowth.org 
http://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org
5901-C Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30328