Mayor Kasim Reed announced on Tuesday that Midtown Atlanta was one of five neighborhoods in the nation to receive the American Planning Association’s (APA) 2016 Great Places Award. During a community celebration, Mayor Reed joined Department of Planning and Community Development Commissioner Tim Keane, Midtown Alliance Chief Executive Officer Kevin Green, Midtown Alliance Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Shannon Powell and Atlanta City Councilmembers Kwanza Hall and Alex Wan for an award presentation from Corey Hull, president of the Georgia chapter of American Planning Association.

“The City of Atlanta is honored to be recognized by the American Planning Association,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “Midtown Atlanta is home to world-class companies, and is marked by its cultural attractions, higher education institutions and noteworthy architecture. This award is not just a win for the City of Atlanta and its partners, but also for the 65,000 daytime workers, 15,000 residents and more than six million annual visitors of this thriving community.” 

Midtown Atlanta was honored for its community-led urban planning initiatives, history, vibrant arts scene, public safety efforts and walkability investments.

“Midtown Atlanta is a thriving community and has gained the attention of many other urban cities in the United States for its high quality, sustainable and equitable growth and development,” said Tim Keane, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development. “One big contribution to the neighborhood’s success is residents’ involvement in the planning process. Through our Atlanta City Design Project, residents can continue to help shape the future of Midtown and other neighborhoods in Atlanta.”

“We are excited about this shared win for the City of Atlanta, public and private sector partners, and allied organizations who have worked hard to create a vibrant community in Midtown,” said Midtown Alliance CEO Kevin Green. “Midtown has benefited greatly from its engaged community planning process.”

Today, there are 20 active development construction projects underway within Midtown Atlanta's 1.2 square milecommercial business district, and another 20 projects being formally proposed. More than 8,000 jobs have been announced for Midtown in the past 18 months, and more than 5,500 residential units have been recently delivered or are under construction. Midtown Alliance and its partners deploy a range of programs and tools to help guide this growth, addressing quality design, a balanced transportation network, environmental sustainability and dynamic public spaces. 

APA’s designation program celebrates places that demonstrate exceptional character, composition and planning, as well as attributes which foster community ties, spur economic growth and promote a higher quality of life. Recognition is given for best practices in community planning, execution, facility design, public safety, infrastructure, cultural identity, innovation and environmental sustainability. 

In addition to Midtown Atlanta, APA also recognized Santa Ana, California; Old Louisville, Kentucky; Nob Hill in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Downtown Warren, Rhode Island.