On Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 the Council for Quality Growth hosted its ninth annual Community Improvement District Reception at City Springs. More than 200 regional development industry and political leaders attended this top networking event for CID leaders in the region. The event also included recognition of North Fulton CID Chairman Kerry Armstrong as the 2018 John Williams CID Leadership Award honoree for his vision, leadership and dedication in championing CIDs around the Metro Atlanta region. Armstrong also is Chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission and managing director of real estate firm Pope and Land.

“CIDs make solutions possible that otherwise simply wouldn’t be,” said Armstrong. “That’s important work, and I enjoy being part of it.”

Since 1985 when state legislation was passed to allow for the creation of the first CID - Cumberland CID - 26 more have formed around the region with additional plans underway. In the more than 30 years since these new drivers of economic developments were launched, regional CIDs have come to represent more than $1.7 billion in taxes levied, producing more than $5.8 billion in infrastructure investments, new parks and greenspace, public safety, traffic mitigation projects, and landscape improvements. These projects are dramatically changing our region by helping to foster a sense of community and improve the overall quality of life and connectivity in Metro Atlanta.

“The Council for Quality Growth recognizes the incredible value these Community Improvement Districts make in promoting smart, balanced development in their respective communities,” said Council for Quality Growth President and CEO Michael Paris. “Through the hard work of leaders like Kerry Armstrong who shepherd these organizations, our region will continue to thrive.”

Major corporations have taken notice of the impact of CIDs, and NCR, Mercedes, World Pay, State Farm, the Atlanta Braves, the Home Depot, and many others have specifically chosen to locate or expand within CIDs, creating new jobs in these communities that are the catalyst for further economic growth and a stronger tax base.