Suwanee Attains 'PlanFirst' Designation

SUWANEE ATTAINS ‘PLANFIRST’ DESIGNATION

The City of Suwanee is in the inaugural class of 10 Georgia communities being recognized for excellence in community planning.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the PlanFirst designation in recognition that Suwanee not only creates good community plans, it also implements them well.

“Good planning by local communities is the hallmark of economic growth,” says DCA Commissioner Gretchen Corbin in a press release. “These are communities that can serve as statewide models for others in how to actively and strategically implement a vision for the future.”

Thirty communities applied to the PlanFirst program in its inaugural year. Designated communities had to demonstrate a proven record of plan implementation success in areas that included goals, leadership, and community participation.

In addition to Suwanee, these communities are part of the PlanFirst inaugural class: Athens-Clarke County, Braselton, Coweta County, Gainesville, Johnson County, Jones County, Madison, Vienna, and Woodstock.

These 10 communities will receive their award at the Capitol on January 28, and the designation will last for three years beginning January 1. The designation means that these communities can take advantage of various incentives, including public visibility, eligibility for funding, and certain reduced interest loans.