Where Community Thrives: How Town Center Community Inspires Connection and Creativity
Bringing people together across Cobb County.
In Atlanta’s fast growing and evolving landscape, “placemaking” isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a strategy for economic growth, community identity, and long-term vitality. Town Center Community, located in the heart of Cobb County, is proving that when you put purpose into place, great things happen.
“Placemaking is about creating spaces that people connect with—physically, culturally, and emotionally,” says Tracy Styf, executive director of Town Center Community. “Here, we focus on projects that reflect our commitment to economic vitality, community, and connectivity.” That approach has shaped everything from pocket parks and public art to one of the region’s most successful bikeshare programs.
Rolling Into the Future: Bikeshare Turns 10
A decade ago, Town Center launched the state’s first CID-led bikeshare program with just three stations. Today, it boasts six stations and 45 bikes, with over 100,000 rides logged to date—a clear sign that the community has embraced cycling as both transportation and recreation.
The program has become a critical part of the district’s mobility strategy. “Bikeshare improves access to trails, businesses, and schools while supporting a healthier lifestyle,” says Jenn Hogan, director of community engagement. “We’re excited to mark our tenth anniversary of bikeshare with six months of giveaways, events, and a sweepstakes to engage the entire community.”
With e-bikes and an upgraded pedal bike fleet, sponsored by Georgia Power, coming soon and ridership surpassing 100,000, Town Center Community is building momentum toward a more connected future.
Art in Motion: A Colorful New Chapter
This summer, Town Center Community is set to unveil a vibrant new series of murals, each designed to capture the spirit of the district. From bold abstractions to nature-inspired scenes, the artwork will span key pedestrian and trail corridors, adding beauty and depth to the everyday experience.
“Public art isn’t just decoration—it’s identity. These murals, created by local artists, offer moments of reflection and joy, reinforcing Town Center’s commitment to creative placemaking as a cultural and economic asset. By extending the reach of public art outside the metro area, we ensure that more neighborhoods and people across the city can experience and be inspired by these vibrant works,” says Jenn Hogan Director of Community Engagement for Town Center Community.
In addition to these murals, new Town Center Community initiatives are bringing other experiences to the area. These projects reflect their growing investment in making art accessible to all, fostering creativity and connection across the community.
Summer of Connection: Pop-Ups with Purpose
Throughout the season, Town Center Community will host a series of pop-up events designed to bring people together in accessible, joyful ways. From yoga sessions sponsored by Kaiser Permanente to sunscreen giveaways and family-friendly programming, these activations are a hands-on expression of placemaking in action.
“Last year, nearly 1,300 people engaged with our summer programs,” notes Hogan. “Each event strengthens our sense of belonging and builds momentum for continued investment.”
Building on Purpose: A Model for Place-Based Strategy
All of this ties into a bigger picture: Town Center’s strategic commitment to enhancing quality of life through thoughtful, inclusive design. With placemaking efforts closely aligned with transportation, sustainability, and economic development goals—and supported by the Town Center Community Alliance—this is more than beautification. It’s transformation.
“We’re building a place that invites people to stay, return, and invest,” Styf says. “And we’re just getting started.”
As Town Center Community continues to evolve, it stands as a compelling model for how place, when paired with purpose, can power prosperity.
Help support their efforts and join the Alliance.
