Partnerships That Build Progress: Cobb County CIDs

Signature Projects: Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID. Photo credit: Stan Kaady

Cobb County basked in the limelight of the FIFA World Cup this summer, with much to celebrate on its own turf. Some of the county’s most significant transportation, placemaking and economic development projects are reaching major milestones: A new $62 million roadway is easing congestion in Town Center. Cumberland is preparing to break ground on one of Metro Atlanta’s most ambitious multimodal transportation initiatives. Gateway Marietta is implementing a new master plan while positioning the Franklin Gateway corridor as a destination for international soccer, business investment and redevelopment.

Teamwork is key to Cobb’s success. Behind every new trail, pedestrian bridge, roadway improvement, park and public art installation is an extensive network of collaboration – commercial property owners, local governments, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, engineering firms and community organizations working toward common goals. Those partnerships are the driving force behind Cobb County’s three Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) – Cumberland, Town Center and Gateway Marietta – which collectively have leveraged hundreds of millions of local dollars into billions of dollars in public infrastructure and community improvements that might never have been realized by any one entity alone.

“The partnerships are absolutely vital,” says Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center CID. “We couldn’t do what we do or be as successful as we’ve been for the past 30 years, without them.”

Cumberland CID: Connections and Collaboration

For nearly four decades, the Cumberland CID has demonstrated what can happen when public and private partners unite around a common vision. Since its founding, the CCID has leveraged approximately $190 million in local investment into more than $2.5 billion in infrastructure and community improvements. Today, the 6.5-square-mile district is home to approximately 32,000 residents, 3,770 businesses and 96,000 jobs, generating an estimated $30.7 billion annual economic impact for Georgia.

River Works: Rendering of the New Day Palisades project along the Chattahoochee. Photo credit: Contributed

Signature projects include the 5-mile Cumberland Boulevard loop road system, the Akers Mill Trail, the Bob Callan Trail, improvements along Windy Hill and Cobb Parkway and the $44 million Akers Mill Ramp. Led by the Georgia Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Cumberland CID, development of the Akers Mill Ramp required years of coordination among multiple agencies and stakeholders.

The partnerships behind major projects extend across every level of government and include organizations such as Cobb County, the State Road and Tollway Authority, the Atlanta Regional Commission, congressional leaders, CobbLinc, the National Park Service and fellow community organizations. State and federal funding has been essential, says Cumberland CID Executive Director Kim Menefee. “We’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have support from our congressional delegation through appropriations funding on our capital projects.”

The collaborative approach is especially evident in the district’s two largest initiatives currently underway: the Cumberland Sweep and New Day Palisades.

The Cumberland Sweep, estimated at approximately $150 million, will create more than 3 miles of multimodal pathways designed to connect Cumberland’s major destinations, including Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, Cumberland Mall, Cobb Convention Center-Atlanta, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and the district’s extensive trail network and parkland.

New Pathways: A new trailhead on the 4-mile Bob Callan Trail at Windy Hill Road. Photo credit: Contributed

“We think big,” Menefee says. “The Cumberland Sweep is an example of that. It will connect all the key destinations here in Cumberland and create a more walkable and bikeable district.”

A key component of the project is the Cumberland Autonomous Mobility Network, scheduled to launch in 2027, this time as part of CobbLinc, the county’s transportation agency. The new network will have eight autonomous shuttles capable of carrying up to 15 passengers each. The concept builds on the success of the CID’s Hopper pilot program, which attracted more than 11,000 riders in 18 months.

“We had a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the community,” Menefee says. “We’re really excited because this will be a transformational way to connect people and help them get around the district more safely and efficiently.”

While transportation remains central to the CID’s mission, preserving and enhancing Cumberland’s natural assets has become an equally important priority. That commitment is reflected in New Day Palisades, a partnership among the CID, the nonprofit One Cumberland and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The project focuses on rehabilitating the Paces Mill unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, one of two park units located within the Cumberland CID’s 840 acres of national parkland.

“Paces Mill is one of the most highly utilized units of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and these improvements will help people better engage with the river and understand its history,” Menefee says. Initial improvements included site upgrades and creation of a meadow park designed to improve stormwater management and biodiversity. Phase 1 also added parking facilities, picnic areas, trails and increased river access. Phase 2, scheduled to go to construction in 2027, will add scenic overlooks and a new visitor information center.

Another highly anticipated CID project is the new Cobb Parkway Pedestrian Bridge that will safely carry pedestrians across the busy parkway, creating a vital connection between neighboring communities.

Connecting the Community: Local leaders at the ribbon cutting for the Bob Callan trail extension included Drew Raessler, director of Cobb County Department of Transportation; County Commissioner Erick Allen; Bob Voyles, chair of the Cumberland CID board of directors; Cobb County Commission Chair Lisa Cupid; Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID; and County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. Photo credit: Contributed

“We were thrilled that the city of Smyrna wanted to partner with us,” Menefee says. “This bridge is needed for safety, and it will provide a direct connection into The Battery while supporting the walkability goals we’ve established for Cumberland.”

Partnerships also support quality-of- life initiatives, including landscaping, beautification, trails, public spaces and placemaking investments. Those efforts gained momentum with the launch of One Cumberland in 2023, which is the nonprofit philanthropic arm of the CID that expands opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses to engage in the district’s future.

“We work hand-in-hand with our partners to identify improvements that will help Cumberland continue to build momentum and grow,” Menefee says. “These projects take years to assemble and fund, but once they’re built, they’re generational improvements.”

Town Center CID: The Next Generation

Established in 1997, the Town Center CID encompasses approximately 6.25 square miles in northwest Cobb County. The Town Center area generates an estimated $16.2 billion economic impact for Georgia. Through strategic partnerships, the CID has leveraged $62.3 million in local funding into more than $210 million in transportation and quality-of-life investments.

Traffic Reduction: The South Barrett Reliever is expected to cut traffic along Barrett Parkway by 22%. Photo credit: Contributed

Long-range planning has guided the Town Center CID’s work for decades. Building on a series of master plans and Livable Centers Initiative studies, in 2025 the organization launched development of a new 30-year vision designed to guide future growth throughout the district.

“We’re taking a long-lens view and asking, ‘What do we want this community to look like for tomorrow?’” says Styf. “Then we determine the steps we need to take to get there.” Those plans begin with extensive public engagement and coordination among partners including Cobb County, GDOT, ARC, Kennesaw State University, Cobb County International Airport, federal transportation agencies and numerous engineering and planning consultants.

One of the district’s most significant recent accomplishments was the completion in April 2026 of the South Barrett Reliever, a $62 million roadway project that is expected to reduce peak-hour traffic along Barrett Parkway by approximately 22%.

“The South Barrett Reliever has been in our plans for 25 years and under development for more than a decade,” Styf says. “To see it go from concept to ribbon-cutting has been incredibly rewarding.”

Placemaking Values: Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center CID, at the Noonday Creek Trailhead. Photo credit: Stan Kaady

While road improvements remain essential, the Town Center CID increasingly views mobility through a broader lens – one that includes trails, parks, cycling infrastructure, public art and recreational amenities.

Why would the current 275 commercial property owners invest additional taxes in parks and trails? “There is a direct correlation between property values and placemaking and quality of life,” Styf says. “Today’s businesses are looking for more than office space. They want communities that attract talent and enhance high quality of life. That’s one of the reasons the Town Center area continues to stand out. Our trail network, including the Noonday Creek Trail, Busbee Trail and Big Shanty Trail, connects people to key destinations like Kennesaw State University and Fifth Third Stadium, while making it easier to get around and enjoy the district’s natural beauty.”

Among the district’s most anticipated projects is the Noonday Creek Trail pedestrian bridge, which will facilitate access to the West Cobb Trail, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Mountain-to-River Trail network. The CID has also invested in placemaking through projects such as Aviation Park near Cobb County International Airport and Lanie Park, an approximately 4-acre green space created from land adjacent to the South Barrett Reliever. Future improvements at Lanie Park will introduce sidewalks, shade trees and seating with a small public plaza.

The Town Center Community Alliance, the CID’s nonprofit partner organization established in 2015, has further expanded those placemaking efforts. Together, the CID and Alliance launched Georgia’s first CID-led bikeshare program, which averages 600 rides per month. And, since KSU was a dedicated training site for soccer teams playing in the 2026 World Cup, the CID and Alliance have added a couple of murals on the Noonday Creek Trail and a Tiny Doors ATL art installation.

Easier Access: Rendering of the Noonday Creek Trail pedestrian bridge. Photo credit: Contributed

Innovation remains a priority as well. Earlier this year, the American Council of Engineering Companies recognized the Town Center CID and Croy Engineering for developing a comprehensive GIS-based Asset Management Plan that helps guide future infrastructure investments.

The district is also advancing projects focused on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, freight mobility planning, connected vehicle technology, corridor lighting, decorative crosswalks and roadway enhancements along Big Shanty Road and Busbee Parkway. The CID oversees maintenance of 22 miles of roadway weekly, 8.5 miles of trails biweekly and the installation of more than 15,000 bales of pine straw annually throughout the district.

“We get to be the dreamers first,” Styf says. “We get to ask what our community needs and what we want it to become. Then we work alongside our partners to make those ideas a reality.”

Green Space: Rendering of Lanie Park, named after Lanie Shipp Hoover, who helped launch the Town Center CID and served as its executive director until her retirement in 2014. Photo credit: Contributed

Gateway Marietta CID’s Goals

In just over a decade, the Gateway Marietta Community Improvement District has developed a network of partnerships that continue to shape the future of the Franklin Gateway corridor. The CID encompasses a 1.2-square-mile district where, currently, 76 commercial property owners invest in economic development, public safety, beautification and redevelopment. According to its recently updated economic impact assessment, the district generates $1.32 billion in statewide economic impact and supports nearly 6,000 jobs across Georgia – a remarkable footprint for an area that represents just 4% of Marietta’s land area.

Art Partners: Gateway Marietta CID Executive Director Caroline Whaley at a public art installation created by local leaders, community groups, young people and Atlanta United. Photo credit: Kevin Garrett

“We’re small, but mighty,” says Gateway Marietta CID Executive Director Caroline Whaley. “Big things are coming out of our area.”

The CID’s newly adopted master plan provides a roadmap for sustaining that momentum. Developed over the past year, the plan outlines a cohesive vision for transforming Franklin Gateway into a vibrant, connected destination that leverages its strategic location, diverse community and growing concentration of recreational amenities. The plan prioritizes infrastructure enhancements, placemaking, trails, streetscape improvements and mixed-use development opportunities designed to strengthen the district’s identity and sense of place.

“The Gateway Marietta CID is, at its core, a catalyst for collaboration,” wrote Whaley in an email. “By aligning our resources and expertise, we accomplish what no single organization could achieve alone. Whether we are executing our master plan, elevating the corridor through targeted beautification and public safety initiatives, or preparing to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, these partnerships turn our shared vision into action, creating a lasting economic impact for the entire Marietta community.”

New HQ: The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground is home to Atlanta United. Photo credit: Contributed

As the only CID in Cobb County located entirely within an incorporated city, it works closely with the city of Marietta. Additional partners include Cobb County, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Cobb DOT, Marietta Power and Water, Cobb Travel & Tourism, the Cobb Chamber and numerous community stakeholders.

Private-sector partnerships have also helped elevate the corridor’s profile. Franklin Gateway is home to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, headquarters for Atlanta United, and it will soon welcome the training facility for Atlanta’s new National Women’s Soccer League franchise, currently under construction and expected to open in 2028. The district also works closely with Wellstar Health System and community organizations such as Marietta YELLS, a nonprofit serving youth along the corridor.

Recent projects reflect both the CID’s long-term vision and its readiness to welcome future sporting events. Beautification efforts have included major landscaping enhancements near Interstate 75, gateway monument signage and expanded placemaking initiatives throughout the corridor.

One of the most visible examples of partnership came this summer when several organizations – including Atlanta United, city officials, community groups and youth – joined together to paint a 4-foot public art soccer ball at the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex.

Small but Mighty: Street banners (above) and colorful acrylic shapes along a pedestrian bridge at the sports complex (below) welcome people to the Franklin Gateway corridor. Photo credit: Contributed

“It is representing community,” says Whaley. “It’s showing that there is a current bringing this community together – businesses, residents and the city – all working to make Franklin Gateway a thriving, vibrant place.”

Looking ahead, the CID’s priorities include additional streetscape improvements, expanded landscaping, new gateway features and support for future trail connections, including the planned Rottenwood Creek Trail. Together, these projects reflect a master plan rooted in one guiding principle: Transformative progress happens when partners unite behind a shared vision.