City OKs economic development plan

The Peachtree Corners City Council recently approved the 2017-2022 Economic Development Plan. The council, city staff, and Downtown Development Authority worked in conjunction with citizen input to develop the plan. Economic Development Specialist Jennifer Howard compiled the results from 259 surveys from businesses (about 11 percent) and interviewed 10 of the city’s top employers to help shape the plan.

Proximity to major roads and airports, value-priced office space and quality of life were identified as city strengths. According to the plan, “Findings conclude that the city’s convenient access to major roads is its largest asset, a strength the city can leverage in future marketing efforts. How- ever, traffic congestion is a significant concern and may cause future workforce development problems, especially given the lack of public transit. During interviews, several employers stated they had difficulty attracting qualified workers primarily due to existing housing and transportation options.”

The plan outlines 10 strategies for improvement, including capitalizing on the strengths of Peachtree Corners, promoting and marketing the city as the premiere location for business in Georgia and reducing traffic congestion wherever possible. The plan also encourages development of a Business Retention and Expansion program, expansion of current business clusters, and combating aging commercial property.

Information: www.peachtreecorners.gov.