Atlanta, Georgia – The City of Atlanta is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU). Established on August 13, 1974, the NPU system has become a cornerstone for resident and business participation in neighborhood development.
The NPU system was established under the leadership of Mayor Maynard Jackson. It has been instrumental in allowing Atlantans to actively participate in shaping the growth and planning of their neighborhoods. Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged this landmark achievement, emphasizing the contributions of residents and businesses in driving community engagement through the NPU system. “Neighborhood Planning Units have reached their 50th year thanks to the vision of Mayor Maynard Jackson and thanks to the residents and businesses who show their love of their city through community engagement. As we celebrate this milestone, let us continue to move Atlanta forward by further empowering participation in the collaborative city planning provided in NPUs,” Mayor Dickens stated.
A Year of Celebration and Reimagining
The Department of City Planning, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, City departments, partner agencies, and various community and business organizations, is preparing a full year of events and initiatives. These efforts aim to celebrate the civic engagement facilitated by the NPU system and to involve more residents in this process.
The year-long celebration will unfold in three phases. The first phase, “Legacy of Love” (January–April), will pay tribute to NPU pioneers and honor the legacy of former Mayor Maynard Holbrook Jackson. The subsequent phases, running from May to August and then September to December, will focus on celebrating the current achievements of the NPU system and reimagining its future to ensure continued effectiveness.
This celebration is also part of a broader series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of Mayor Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor. His 1974 inaugural speech highlighted the importance of public participation and collaboration, a vision that remains central to the spirit of the NPU system.
Getting Involved
For Atlantans interested in participating in the NPU’s 50th-anniversary celebrations or learning more about the initiative, detailed information is available at npuatlanta.org. This milestone offers an excellent opportunity for residents to engage with their community, celebrate the achievements of the past, and contribute to the vision for Atlanta’s future.