APA’s Annual List Recognizes 15 Great Neighborhoods, Streets, and Public Spaces 

Washington, DC— The American Planning Association (APA) today named Midtown Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, as one of five Great Neighborhoods on the organization’s annual Great Places in America list, which marks the kick-off of APA’s National Community Planning Month celebration.

As part of National Community Planning Month, APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States demonstrating exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country. The Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2016 are places that are unique and exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity, and use of sustainable and innovative practices.

“The neighborhoods on this year’s list are a testament to the critical role of planning in creating more dynamic, equitable, economically healthy communities,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, president of APA. “Through careful thought, foresight, innovation, and cooperation, this year’s designees are building better places to live, work, play, and visit and setting an example for other neighborhoods nationwide. We congratulate them on their efforts and this worthy distinction.”

With its riches-to-rags-to-riches history, lively arts scene, and proactive planning and community building, Midtown Atlanta is the preeminent urban neighborhood in Atlanta. Midtown Atlanta stands out as a dense, mixed-use walkable area in a metro region that has experienced decades of sprawling growth.

“The urban experience in Midtown Atlanta continues to get better because of committed partners with common goals, carrying out a dynamic plan shaped by our community” said Midtown Alliance CEO Kevin Green. “This recognition is truly a shared win for the City of Atlanta, agency partners, the Midtown Improvement District, business leaders, and allied organizations working every day to make our neighborhood great.”

In addition to Midtown Atlanta, APA also recognized the following neighborhoods this year:

• Downtown Santa Ana - Santa Ana, California
• Old Louisville - Louisville, Kentucky
• Nob Hill - Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Downtown Warren - Warren, Rhode Island

Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 260 neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces around the country. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for the future.