The Council for Quality Growth held its 17th Annual Community Improvement District (CID) Recognition Event on Nov. 12 in honor of Jim Vaught, chairman of Lilburn CID, and A.J. Robinson, president of Downtown Atlanta, Inc.
More than 200 regional leaders and CID professionals gathered at Hotel Phoenix to recognize the leadership shown by Vaught and Robinson over their long CID careers, and to celebrate the work of CIDs throughout the metro Atlanta region and Georgia, according to a release from the organization.
The 2026 CID Recognition Event was presented by Georgia Power, Lilburn Community Improvement District, and Pond & Company.
For 17 years, the Council’s CID Recognition Event has annually recognized the role the state’s 32 CIDs play in the growth of metro Atlanta and Georgia. Since 2016, the Council for Quality Growth has also presented the CID Leadership Awards to carefully nominated and selected CID leaders who have greatly impacted the region.
The honorees
Jim Vaught, Chairman of Lilburn CID, received the 2026 John Williams CID Leadership Award, given to a CID leader who has volunteered their time to serve a CID, usually as part of its board of directors. Vaught has served as Chairman of Lilburn CID for nearly two decades, helping guide it through significant infrastructure, mobility, and community improvement initiatives, the release said.
Tad Leithead, executive director of Lilburn CID and the 2017 recipient of the John Williams CID Leadership Award, presented Vaught with this honor.
A.J. Robinson, president of Downtown Atlanta, Inc., received the Council’s 2026 CID Professional Excellence Award. This recognition is reserved for a CID industry professional that has dedicated their career to serving a CID in a position of leadership.
Throughout his 23 years of leadership, Robinson has advanced transformative projects and initiatives that have strengthened Downtown Atlanta’s public safety, infrastructure, connectivity, and economic vitality.
Ann Hanlon, Executive Director of the Perimeter CIDs and the 2021 recipient of the CID Professional Excellence Award, presented Robinson with the honor. R
“Jim Vaught and A.J. Robinson represent the dedication, leadership, and collaboration that make Georgia’s Community Improvement Districts so impactful,” said Michael Paris, president & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “Their years of service have helped drive meaningful investments, strengthen community partnerships, and improve quality of life across our region.”
For more details about Community Improvement Districts or the 17th Annual CID Recognition, please visit www.CouncilforQualityGrowth.org/CIDs.
