I-85 bridge collapse impact; Drought; LINK trip; Documentary premiere; Older Americans Month; Legislative recap; May 17, 2017 ARC Traffic Study Helped Shape Response to I-85 Bridge CollapseTo the relief of commuters and businesses, the I-85 bridge reopened weeks ahead of schedule this past weekend. ARC took a close look at traffic congestion following the bridge collapse. This data helped regional transportation agencies modify their service to better accommodate new travel patterns while the bridge was being rebuilt. Why Haven't Recent Rains Eased the Drought in Metro Atlanta?Despite recent heavy rains, much of metro Atlanta is still in a level two drought response. Why? It simply hasn’t been raining enough north of Lake Lanier, which remains well below “full pool.” That means it's important for all of us to conserve water. Detroit Offers Lessons and Inspiration to LINK DelegationMore than 120 metro Atlanta leaders traveled to the Detroit region in early May for ARC's 2017 LINK trip. Trip participants learned about Detroit’s renaissance and searched for lessons that could help address key challenges back home. ARC to Host Documentary Film PremiereARC is hosting the premiere of a groundbreaking documentary film that asks, “What will it mean for Americans to live in a rapidly aging world?” A reception and panel discussion will follow a viewing of the film on Wednesday, June 28 at the Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta. The event is free but space is limited, so reserve your place today. May Is Older Americans MonthARC staff and RSVP volunteers are celebrating Older Americans Month this May by showing how they “Age Out Loud.” ARC relies on volunteers like Marianne Dehaan, pictured at right, and the more than 150 RSVP volunteers who gave 8,185 hours of their time last year to empower individuals through education and training. 2017 Georgia Legislative Session RecapBold initiatives took a back seat to politics during the 2017 legislative session. But some meaningful legislation did pass this session that will have a positive impact on the future of the Atlanta region. RECOGNITION ARC Wins 2017 FHWA/FTA Transportation Planning Excellence Award for “Walk. Bike. Thrive!” Congratulations to Byron Rushing and ARC's Bike/Ped team for winning a 2017 Transportation Planning Excellence Award from FHWA for ARC's bike-ped plan, “Walk. Bike. Thrive!” MARTA and the city of Dunwoody also received awards this year - a testament to the growing potential of transportation options in the region. Congratulations to all! More kudos to Byron for being elected president of the Association of Ped/Bike Professionals this spring! ARC Receives 2017 FHWA Environmental Excellence Award for AREES Project Congratulations to David D'Onofrio for leading ARC's AREES project (Atlanta Roadside Emissions Exposure Study). The project has been recognized by the FHWA for its ability to track pollution through interactive maps that show local hotspots of air pollution. ARC uses these maps to evaluate transportation projects. Deadline ExtendedThe deadline for Sustainable Connections internships and community proposals has been extended to May 22. This unique program connects students interested in sustainablity with local governments in the region in need of sustainability programming assistance. Water Reflections Calendar ContestHelp us celebrate our shared water resources! The Metro Water Distric is looking for photos that capture the beauty, heritage, activities and character of metro Atlanta's water resources. Winning photographs receive a cash prize and will be included in our 2018 Water Reflections calendar. ARC DATA CORNERVisit Neighborhood Nexus and explore the new website and new tools for data visualization. The Quarter takes a look at highlights from Q1 2017. Check out the latest data on employment, housing and construction in metro Atlanta. Visit 33°n blog for the latest data, Monday Mapday and more - brought to you by ARC's Research and Data Division. Where can you find the ARWDB Mobile Career Lab this May?The ARWDB Mobile Career Resource Center is a 13-station, state-of-the-art, fully accessible computer lab. The center offers an array of services, a private interview area and classroom space. To see where the mobile lab will be in May, check the Mobile Career Lab Schedule. ARC BOARDThe next meeting of the ARC board will be May 24 at 1 p.m. at the Atlanta Regional Commission, 40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta. The ARC Board meets at 1 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month, January through October, and the first Wednesday of December. Agendas and minutes of each meeting are available online. ARC COMMITTEE MEETINGS Transportation Coordinating Committee Land Use Coordinating Committee Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board Regional Transit Committee Transportation & Air Quality Committee Aging & Health Resources Committee Community Resources Committee Strategic Relations Committee UPCOMING EVENTSCommunity Engagement Network - Join a discussion on what it means to partner with communities instead of just planning for them. | May 18 Activist Design Studio Launch: Issues in Transit Access - Join WonderRoot for the opening of their new screen printing studio at Ponce City Market.| May 20 Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Rolling Town Hall - Ride bikes with Atlanta candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Board. | May 20 Choose ATL Block Parties - ChooseATL is having block parties all over Metro Atlanta. The Block Parties will celebrate metro Atlanta's diverse communities and unite behind our pride in ATL. | May 20 City on the Verge - Join Bill Nigut of GPB at the Carter Center for a conversation with author Mark Pendergast about his book “City on the Verge; Atlanta and the Fight for America’s Urban Future.” | May 23 Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable - Join Southface for a monthly roundtable conversation. Topic TBA.| June 2 Atlanta Streets Alive - Westside - Join Atlanta Streets Alive for a new route at Marietta St & Howell Mill Road.| June 11 Refugees in America Community Discussion - The Center for Civil and Human Rights invites you to participate in a community conversation about the state of refugee immigration in America. | June 15 Vote! 6th Congressional District Special Election - Runoff election for 6th district residents. | June 20 ARC Partner Websites
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for the 10-county area including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties, as well as the City of Atlanta. |