It’s true, you can believe it, the City of Atlanta is listening in the form of Plan A and all you need to do is speak up!
Plan A builds on the work of Mayor Maynard Jackson from 50 years ago. Plan A collects community feedback that will directly inform decisions and policy for the City’s Comprehensive Development Plan update. With that as its foundation, Zoning 2.0 will evolve and replace the City’s very old zoning ordinances.
By engaging in the process, you and I will create opportunities and build community. Our own voices will feed plans for our own future. The Department of City Planning is asking us to tell them what we want and need, now. You have informed opinions, you have a voice, and Plan A is for you!
Under the leadership of Commissioner Prince, the Department of City Planning is well on the way to meeting people face-to-face in every community, listening, taking notes, and listening some more. In March, the Department of City Planning hosted a Public Engagement Day at City Hall that introduced attendees to the real people who are doing the real work of serving our whole community. It was striking to see just how many people serve to make our City run, hiccups and all. The energy, enthusiasm and dedication are impressive. I wish you had been there.
The rest of March and April saw pop-ups and community meetings that brought a great many folks into conversation. It’s a good start to the Plan A process that continues with 16 community workshops in May and June.
But are you ready to be heard?
It’s not especially hard to find a way to listen, to learn, and to be heard. The first step in becoming a satisfied and successful civic advocate is simply this: Look. See the individuals who make it their life’s work to serve our City and its people. See their work and the value they each add to our City. Letting them know they matter to you and that you appreciate what they do will give them a bit more self-respect. When I feel good about myself, I’m capable of exceeding even my own expectations. Imagine what could happen if you made a point of noticing our public servants and validating them for their good works. Imagine the good that will come of that as they approach their workload, today and tomorrow.
Next: Figure out how you can get involved, where you will have an impact, and just do it, one conversation at a time. Imagine what could happen if the Department of City Planning knew your thoughts!
To paraphrase Commissioner Prince of City Planning, “I’m not planning the city that I want, I’m planning the city that you want.” She’s not a mind reader and if you don’t speak up soon, you’ll be stuck with the future of our city that reflects what I want, along with a couple thousand of my new best friends who have shown up to talk about Plan A so far.
Being heard works for me.
The opinions and perspectives presented solely represent those of the author.