With the intent of building on the momentum created by the Olympics, the Mayor called together a group of key business and community leaders to further develop the recommendations for revitalization. The City organized a strategy for creating jobs, improving housing, upgrading public services, and otherwise bettering the quality of life in Atlanta. The initiative became known as the Renaissance Atlanta Program. The program promises to target resources to implement a comprehensive, focused economic development and neighborhood plan. The City has achieved consensus on its consolidated plan with very little opposition from residents.
Community needs vastly exceed the amount of available resources.
The City's decision to reorganize and carry out the Renaissance Atlanta Program represents a bold, aggressive, and ambitious approach to achieve major urban revitalization. The planning process allowed for effective and meaningful participation by citizens and representatives from various communities. Many of the residents have become empowered and more knowledgeable of the City's planning process and are no longer intimidated by the decision-making process, especially on issues that affect their communities and quality of living. The collaborative process assisted the City in defining a clear vision that will guide the implementation of many of its community development activities. Adequate funding is always an issue.