Invest Atlanta approved a $2 million Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant to support the development of the Andrew Young International Institute for Peace and Reconciliation in the Vine City neighborhood.
The project will serve as a hub for dialogue, education, and collaboration rooted in the principles of peace, justice, and international cooperation, according to a press release.
TAD financing through Invest Atlanta is helping to support the necessary relocation of existing combined sewer overflow pipes on the property. The relocation of the existing sewer infrastructure is critical not only to the ultimate design of the Institute but also to the pace at which the $100 million in philanthropic capital can be raised for construction.
The project is poised to generate more than $202 million in total economic impact for the area, according to the release.
Designed as a convening space, the facility will bring together students, scholars, policymakers, and international leaders to engage in meaningful conversations, research, and collaborative problem-solving. “
Beyond its global impact, the project is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization on Atlanta’s Westside. The development will prioritize local hiring, workforce development, and youth engagement, ensuring that the surrounding community directly benefits from the investment.
The institute will feature immersive educational programming, interactive exhibitions, and strategic global partnerships aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Its proximity to Atlanta’s academic institutions—including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, and Georgia Institute of Technology—is designed to foster partnerships that expand access to education, internships, and research opportunities for students.
“My life has always been a peace institute,” Young said in a statement. “People are different and you have to respect their differences. We need a place where people from all walks of life can come together to learn from our history, confront our differences, and provide meaningful community access.”
For information on the Andrew Young International Institute for Peace and Reconciliation visit here.
