Clarkston 2040

Details:

Client: City of Clarkston

Location: Clarkston, Georgia

Status: Approved in October 2016

Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Plan Update to guide land use and transportation decisions
  • Inclusive community participation program with multiple opportunities for involvement and input

  • Utilizing Poll Everywhere as a fun, interactive tool during public meeting to get immediate responses to questions and to develop word clouds

Description:

After completing the 2015 Clarkston Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Study, TSW was retained by the City of Clarkston to lead their 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update called Clarkston 2040. The Clarkston 2040 is a comprehensive planning process that looks at the next 25 years and will develop guidelines and strategies for land use and transportation decisions in the city. The goal of the plan is to create a vision for the future of Clarkston that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the community.

Building on the findings of the previous Comprehensive Plan and other city-sponsored studies, TSW worked to build on three key priorities: embracing diversity, improving the perception of Clarkston, and enhancing connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan included an extensive community engagement component that was designed to gather feedback and input from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.

To achieve this goal, TSW organized two planning forums, steering community input, and public meetings to present draft and final recommendations. These events provided an opportunity for the community to provide input and feedback on the plan, which helped to shape and refine the final recommendations.

The Clarkston 2040 plan builds on catalyst projects identified as part of the LCI study, including: redeveloping City Hall with a town green, developing a comprehensive trail/bike system, and rehabilitation and revitalization of the downtown core. These projects aim to create a more livable, walkable, and sustainable community, while also promoting economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

In summary, TSW was retained by the City of Clarkston to lead their 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, which is a comprehensive planning process that looks at the next 25 years and will develop guidelines and strategies for land use and transportation decisions in the city. The plan, Clarkston 2040,  included an extensive community engagement component, and builds on catalyst projects identified as part of the LCI study, including: redeveloping City Hall with a town green, developing a comprehensive trail/bike system, and rehabilitation and revitalization of the downtown core. These projects aim to create a more livable, walkable, and sustainable community, while also promoting economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.