National Redevelopment Role Model: Alpharetta, Georgia

Cities around the country have taken notice of the big redevelopment programs in the city of Alpharetta.

1 minute read

August 22, 2022, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A mid-rise building with retail and apartments. A car port announces the name of the development: Avalon.

Avalon, in Alpharetta, Georgia, is one of two redevelopment projects attracting attention from cities outside Georgia. The mixed-use development comprised 500,000 square feet of retail, bars, restaurants, and services. | Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

Alpharetta, Georgia has redeveloped multiple live, work, shop, and play districts in less than ten years, according to a paywalled article by Adrianne Murchison for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The city has become a model for contemporary urban redevelopment widely studied by other municipalities.

According to Murchison, the city of Cary, North Carolina modeled the recently opened a $1-billion, mixed-used shopping development called Fenton based on the model provided Alpharetta. “In addition to Cary, representatives from Huntersville, North Carolina and Franklin, Tennessee said they have visited Alpharetta. Locally, Roswell and Dunwoody have consulted with Alpharetta’s community development department,” adds Murchison.

There’s plenty to see in Alpharetta, which achieved its redevelopment vision for two districts, the Civic Center and Avalon. A third, North Point, is underway Murchison. As for how Alpharetta has achieved so much mixed-use development, Murchison credits the city’s decision to acquire 21 acres of privately owned land, a $29 million voter-approved bond referendum in 2011, large investments in the city’s linear park, and other interventions including requirements for 68% owner-occupied residential units in mixed-use developments.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

7 hours ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM