Plan A is Atlanta’s comprehensive development plan, or “CDP,” and is Atlanta’s guide for equitable development. Plan A shows the important relationships between land use, transportation, housing, economic development, nature, historic preservation, and other aspects of city building. It’s planning done at the scale of the city with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for all Atlantans. When done well, comprehensive development planning is the foundation for predictable, well managed growth and development.

For more on Atlanta’s Plan A, visit our About Plan A Page.

For more information on the current Comprehensive Development Plan, adopted in 2021, visit atlcitydesign.com/2021-cdp

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Every five years, the City updates the comprehensive development plan. The update is not only required by state and local laws it is also necessary to keep the plan relevant as Atlanta becomes a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible city to live in.

Atlanta’s comprehensive development plan articulates a citywide Community Vision for the next 5, 10, 15 years and more. That vision guides the city-building activities contained in every section, or Element, of the plan. Each section starts with a Vision followed by a set of Goals stating desired near- and long-term outcomes. Together, these Vision and Goals let us know what we are working to accomplish. Needs and Opportunities, identified during the planning process, define the urgent issues to be addressed as we move towards realizing our Vision and Goals. A series of Policies related to the Needs and Opportunities in each element, along with a list of proposed Actions, point to the necessary steps for implementation.

The Department of City Planning is leading an 18-month planning process to update the current Vision and Goals, Needs and Opportunities, Policies and Actions in every Element to Plan A. The current comprehensive development plan builds on past plans as well as years of analysis, decision-making, public engagement over other plans and initiatives. The current Plan A is our starting point, but the plan requires that we continue to work together to ensure it reflects the aspirations of all Atlantans.