Buckhead Forward Sets Bold Five-Year Agenda Focused on Economic Development and Quality of Life
Buckhead Coalition, CID Announce Strategic Priorities as Campaign Gains Early Wins
ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Buckhead Coalition, in partnership with the Buckhead CID, announced the launch of Buckhead Forward, a five-year roadmap to enhance quality of life, strengthen economic development and reinforce Buckhead's position as one of the nation's most vibrant and desirable intown communities.
Buckhead Forward aligns local partners, the City of Atlanta, and state and regional stakeholders around shared priorities, resources, and expertise to address immediate needs and long-term opportunities across Buckhead and Metro Atlanta.
The initiative centers on five strategic priorities for a more connected, walkable, safe, and thriving Buckhead:
- Creating walkable, vibrant places
- Strengthening utility and street infrastructure
- Enhancing public safety and addressing homelessness
- Easing traffic congestion
- Engaging the community in Buckhead's civic life and cultural experiences
"Buckhead Forward represents a new chapter of strategy and action," said Katharine Kelley, CEO of the Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID. "In collaboration with local partners and leaders across the city, state and metro region, we are creating the alignment needed to move key priorities forward and make strategic investments that will strengthen Buckhead's economy, connectivity and quality of life for years to come."
Over the next five years, Buckhead Forward will work toward its vision for Buckhead to be a model for economic vitality and civic collaboration.
Early Results
Several priority efforts are already underway to strengthen Buckhead infrastructure, walkability, and public safety.
1. Planning Buckhead's Blueprint
Buckhead was recently awarded $240,000 in funding through the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC) Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) program to support planning and design of Buckhead's commercial district. The plan will create a blueprint to enhance walkability, improve connectivity, and create engaging civic spaces.
To support the planning efforts, the Buckhead CID will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) on its website and invite qualified organizations to respond in early October.
2. Paving Smoother, Safer Streets
Buckhead Forward is already delivering improvements through accelerated repaving of the Move Atlanta Forward streets and additional pothole repairs across the district, in collaboration with the City of Atlanta – including Buckhead's Councilmembers Mary Norwood, Alex Wan, and Thomas Worthy – and the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods.
On behalf of these partners, Buckhead CID plans to have the remaining Move Atlanta Forward streets repaved by year end and numerous potholes filled across Buckhead's 45 neighborhoods.
3. Building on a Record of Public Safety
Buckhead's Part 1 violent and property crime rates are back to pre-pandemic levels, with rates outperforming Buckhead's counterparts in cities like Dallas, Charlotte and Nashville.
Its strong partnerships with the Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Police Foundation, and its focus on key initiatives, including supplemental patrols, technology investments, and officer housing subsidy programs, reinforce its continued leadership in public safety.
"While Buckhead Forward is a five-year roadmap, these early accomplishments demonstrate our bias for action and the value of coordinated action among our local partners, and city, regional and state stakeholders," said Katharine Kelley.
As planning and implementation continue, Buckhead Forward will provide regular updates on progress and impact at BuckheadForward.com.
About Buckhead Forward
Guided by joint leadership from the Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID and in collaboration with local Buckhead partners, the City of Atlanta, and state and regional partners, Buckhead Forward will deliver visible improvements, strategic investments and coordinated initiatives that enhance quality of life, drive economic development and strengthen Buckhead's position as one of the nation's premier communities for residents, businesses, and visitors. The framework is designed to ensure Buckhead remains an indispensable contributor to Metro Atlanta and a strong partner in advancing shared economic vitality priorities across the region. For more information and regular progress updates, visit BuckheadForward.com.
Media Contact
Allison Kopp
678-313-2966
akopp@thebuckheadcoalition.org
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SOURCE Buckhead Forward
