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Progress & Potential by A.J. Robinson
Like most major city centers across the country, Atlanta’s urban core experienced varying degrees of successes and struggles throughout 2023. The headlines mirrored this, highlighting promising developments and the all-too-familiar challenges that make our city center a microcosm of Atlanta as a whole. But if we set sensationalism aside and look past the headlines, we begin to see a new view of Downtown emerging from the COVID years. It’s a place that is more than just a hub for business and tourism; it’s a dynamic community of residents, students, workers, and visitors.Our goals at CAP/ADID are simple: to make Downtown a place where everyone belongs and, as Atlanta’s most visible piece of geography, we strive to represent the city in the best way possible. Through thoughtful urban planning, day-to-day operations, and a variety of community programs, our team is committed to advocating for its potential. We want everyone to see the Downtown we see and to love it like we do.
This past year marked my 20th anniversary with Central Atlanta Progress, but despite over two decades of accomplishments, I’m more excited about the future. Specifically, I can’t wait to experience what will unfold in the years leading up to the 2026 World Cup. There’s still plenty of progress to be made, but the vision of a more vibrant Downtown comes into focus more and more every day. That’s why I’m confident that the best is yet to come. Just keep watching, and know that it is not possible without your support.
A.J. Robinson
President
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An Energy In The Air by Dr. Brian Davis
As Atlantans, we have a lot to look forward to. In Downtown specifically, there’s an energy in the air thanks to the upcoming World Cup, which will give our city center the chance to showcase its unique character to the entire world. There’s a flurry of new developments underway, and this year our skyline gained a new addition with the completion of the Signia by Hilton hotel. Many of our historic structures also made the news in 2023, including Sweet Auburn’s Odd Fellows Building and the Atlanta Life Building. New businesses set up shop, and thousands of students lived and learned here. Downtown is very much alive.
One of the most exciting trends in the heart of our city is the conversion of existing buildings into residential properties. Watching the City and local stakeholders embrace this solution to housing has been inspiring to say the least. CAP/ADID hosted Brookings Fellow Tracy Hadden Loh in September, who presented her research on this trend, and we also recently completed a study to identify potential buildings for conversion. I can’t wait to share the results. After all, more residents mean more activity, more spending, and more vibrancy. And that’s exactly what Downtown needs.
As I enter my second year as CAP chairman, there’s no doubt in my mind that this year will have even more triumphs than the last. That energy in the air will only keep building, and that’s truly something to look forward to.
Dr. Brian Davis
Chairman, CAP
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Now More Than Ever by Craig Jones
From public space maintenance to weekly concerts and performances, ADID continues its mission to create a more vibrant Downtown for everyone. Last year, our dedicated Clean Team and Ambassador Force worked day in and day out to improve our community, often addressing challenges that few others would. I’m also proud to share that the Outreach Team helped more people than ever in 2023 by connecting the most vulnerable members of our community with the resources they need.
In addition to our day-to-day operations, ADID also completed two major projects in 2023: sidewalk improvements on Courtland Street and a bike lane on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Arts & Entertainment Atlanta completed its fourth year of programming and grants, and our placemaking efforts brought over 200 public events to the Broad Street Boardwalk and Woodruff Park.
It takes empathetic and loyal people to be stewards of Downtown Atlanta. Not everyone wants to take on that role, but ADID does. And I can honestly say that after twenty years as chairman, I’m prouder than ever of our teams and the work they do.
Craig Jones
Chairman, ADID
Our work could not happen without the support of the our leadership and staff.
Staff
A.J. Robinson
President
Maria Liatis
Executive Assistant to the President
Jennifer Ball
Chief Operating Officer
T’Shura Johnson
Controller
Beatriz Morman
Staff Accountant
Taylor Hudley
Administrative Coordinator
Wilma Sothern
Vice President, Marketing
Alex Ryan Bauer
Membership & Engagement Manager
Nina Dolgin
Marketing & Creative Specialist
Heather Meadows-Adamson
Communications Coordinator
Fredalyn Frasier
Project Director, Planning and Urban Design
Alena Green
Director, Economic Development
Brianna Davison
Project Manager, Research and Impact
Shayna Pollock
Managing Director, Transportation
Stacy Grolimund
Senior Project Manager, Transportation & Capital Projects
Noa Hecht
Creative Placemaking Specialist
Marcus Mister
Vice President of Operations
Bianca Colbert
Assistant to VP and Administrative Coordinator
Daryl Johnson
Director, Public Safety and Captain, Ambassador Force
Sara Gill
Director, Public Space Maintenance
Jack Cebe
Stitch Development Manager
Nakasha Shoyinka
Director, Supportive Services