Reflecting on the Neighborhood Planning Unit System and the Meaning of Meaningful Engagement
Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in a panel as the City of Atlanta celebrated a monumental milestone—50 years of community engagement through the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) System. On August 13th, 1974, the Honorable Mayor Maynard Jackson signed legislation that would forever change how our city engages with its residents, laying the foundation for a legacy of community involvement and empowerment.
Thirty-five years after this pivotal moment, I arrived in Atlanta, pursuing graduate studies at Georgia State University. My journey into the heart of this city began with visits to NPUs in Southwest Atlanta—L, S, T, K, V, and X—where I sought to understand the neighborhoods that would soon become my home. These experiences shaped my understanding of community engagement and deepened my connection to the rich history and vibrant communities of Atlanta.
As I transitioned into my career, serving as a Planning and Community Engagement Manager for the Atlanta BeltLine, I developed countless relationships across the city. I met incredible people—advocates, volunteers, and leaders—who had spent years contributing to their neighborhoods' history and progress. These interactions weren’t always easy; I’ve been on the receiving end of some passionate feedback during meetings. But these experiences were invaluable, as they underscored the importance of listening, learning, and being present in the communities I serve.
Just this past Monday, after leaving the celebration at Atlanta City Hall, I found myself preparing for another community engagement effort, this time in East Point. There, I am assisting in the predevelopment phase of a missing middle housing project—an initiative aimed at improving living conditions and enhancing the infrastructure and tax base of the city. This project is now in its ninth month, navigating the complexities of rezoning, state and local laws, and preparing for the next stages of design and construction.
Real estate development is a sensitive subject, particularly in a time when housing affordability has reached a crisis point. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for many Georgians, especially those in the metro area, to find affordable housing. From a developer’s perspective, creating affordable housing often requires significant subsidies, which can be a major hurdle if local governments or development authorities lack the necessary funds.
This is the challenging intersection where many of my projects reside. Local leaders and elected officials, feeling the pressure from their constituents, are calling on developers to go above and beyond in ensuring that communities are informed and involved. Public engagement, once a legislative requirement, is now expected to be more meaningful and proactive.
The state of Georgia emphasizes the importance of public engagement, requiring a detailed 16-part application process that addresses everything from site plans to environmental impacts. This process includes mailing postcards to nearby residents, taking out advertisements in newspapers, and posting signs on the property, followed by a public hearing.
However, when these legislative processes aren’t enough to satisfy the need for community engagement, we must look further. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has been a leader in developing guidelines for meaningful public involvement—guidelines that go beyond mere checkbox compliance and offer measurable criteria for genuine engagement.
As a planning professional, business owner, mother, and community advocate, I believe in reaching out to those impacted by my work early and often. I strive to make myself and my information accessible, to support the local staff and leadership responsible for running our cities, and to build strong relationships that extend beyond the formalities of community engagement. It’s about being a resource, adding value, and honoring my commitments—even when I fall short.
At the end of the day, we all share this world and influence each other in ways we might not always perceive. My approach to community engagement is rooted in collaboration, grace, and a commitment to doing my best with every project I undertake. I believe in exceeding expectations, meeting challenges with a smile, and always being available as a resource to those around me.
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