Comprehensive Plan Update

Athens, Alabama

The City of Athens, Alabama hired TPUDC to update their comprehensive plan in 2021 to accommodate accelerated growth in the North Alabama region in a strategic way. The project was branded as “Athens 2040: Pathways to Excellence,” and kicked off in April 2021, followed by a multi-day Planapalooza process in May to gather extensive public input. The process included a combination of virtual and in-person events to allow residents to participate comfortably during the Coronavirus pandemic. Throughout Planapalooza, TPUDC created conceptual plans to revive an existing commercial node into a neighborhood center, transform a corridor into a gateway to Downtown, and bring life to two waterways that run throughout the City by activating spaces with outdoor activities and plazas. The following guiding principles are woven throughout the comprehensive plan: embrace individuality; preserve open space; sustain character; strengthen the local economy; promote creativity; expand housing opportunities; enhance mobility; and balance growth and conservation. A Growth & Conservation Map was designed to help the City prioritize development through tiers based on existing and proposed infrastructure. The final draft was completed in August 2022.

Size: Entire-City

Type: Comprehensive Plan