Ryan Gravel, who first conceived of the Atlanta BeltLine, has joined the city to guide the Atlanta City Design Project, according to a statement from Mayor Kasim Reed’s office. This new project, under the direction of the Department of Planning and Community Development, will envision what Atlanta should look like decades from now, as well as guide future decisions on the growth and development of the city.
Gravel is an urban planner best known for his 1999 Georgia Institute of Technology master’s thesis which was the catalyst for the Atlanta BeltLine. Since then, he has remained involved in its implementation and currently serves on the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership board of directors. Gravel now consults with communities on planning and design for investments in infrastructure through his company, Sixpitch.
“I am pleased to have Ryan Gravel join my Administration and support our effort to shape the future plans for the City of Atlanta,” said Reed in the media statement. “His vision to transform old railroad corridors into a 22-mile transit greenway has spurred economic development across the city, improved the quality of life for residents and led to a total transformation for the City of Atlanta. His leadership on this project marks an important step forward in continuing our city’s success.”
The Atlanta City Design Project will create a plan to guide how Atlanta can grow equitably and sustainably while maintaining its core character. The Project will incorporate public engagement and input to begin this summer.
“I’m excited to help develop a plan for the Atlanta City Design Project,” said Gravel. “Pioneering a project that will shape all the future planning decisions and that promotes strategic development in Atlanta is my dream job. I look forward to the magnitude of growth Atlanta will experience and working with all the stakeholders that will engage throughout the process.”
Gravel will work with members of the mayor’s senior team and the public to envision and plan for a future Atlanta with inviting public and private spaces designed foremost for people. The Atlanta City Design Project will promote sustainable design that incorporates the social, economic and environmental needs of an Atlanta that can be one of the most livable cities in the country.
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