The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency created by the local governments in the Atlanta region pursuant to legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly. Under various state and federal laws, ARC has numerous roles and responsibilities regarding regional planning. All ARC work adheres to the minimum planning requirements that guide it. However, ARC staff also seeks to go beyond these requirements in creating integrated long-range regional plans that work toward a common and mutually beneficial set of solutions to the challenges faced by a growing region like Atlanta.

In addition to close collaboration on shared issues that regional plans aim to address, ARC is committed to maintaining working relationships with all of the region’s local governments. Local government planning and implementation is a critical component in achieving regional plans and programs.

The Comprehensive Planning Department of ARC (Research, Land Use and Transportation divisions) will lead the effort to develop the next Regional Development Plan (RDP) and Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). This effort will be achieved through a plan development process that seeks to unify elements of regional plans while also integrating local growth policy as outlined in local Comprehensive Plans and Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plans, as well as other local policies.

While the Atlanta region faces tremendous challenges to manage growth, the region is fortunate to be home to many forward-thinking local governments that are up to the challenge of creating a more livable and vibrant region. Only through a comprehensive and integrated process can the region maintain its strong economy and vibrant quality of life while meeting fiscal challenges and improving health and environmental conditions.