ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) says ten Georgia communities - including Gainesville, Braselton and Suwanee - have received statewide distinction in a new program recognizing excellence in community planning. <br />
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Athens-Clarke County, Coweta County, Johnson County, Jones County and the cities of Madison, Vienna and Woodstock are also included. DCA says each have each achieved the state's first-ever "PlanFirst" designation, which acknowledges communities that have a proven track record of implementing their plan and a history of good plan development.<br />
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"Good planning by local communities is the hallmark of economic growth," said Gretchen Corbin, DCA Commissioner. "These are communities that can serve as statewide models for others in how to actively and strategically implement a vision for the future."<br />
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The PlanFirst program received 30 applications in its inaugural year. Eligible communities were required to address four primary program criteria focused on having a proven record of plan implementation success: goals, leadership, community participation, and implementation. The designation will last for three years, beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and enables these communities to take advantage of various incentives that include public visibility, eligibility for funding, and certain reduced interest loans. <br />
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The Department of Community Affairs developed the program with a steering committee comprised of partners including the Georgia Municipal Association, Association County Commissioner of Georgia, the Georgia Planning Association, the Regional Commissions, and the University of Georgia Archways program, and other state agencies including the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, the Historic Preservation Division and Environmental Protection Division.
