Union City, GA: Excitement abounds as Union City secures its position as a selected community in the highly anticipated Georgia Placemaking Collaborative's 2024 program. This prestigious designation, bestowed by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF), signifies the City's commitment to fostering vibrant, thriving communities.

Mayor Vince R. Williams enthusiastically shared, "The City Council and I are excited by Union City's inclusion in the 2024 Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative. As Georgia’s fastest-growing City, this endeavor corresponds with our vision to construct a City that addresses our residents' needs and establishes a resilient groundwork for a prosperous future. Union City's commitment to the R3 Master Plan—Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine—is a testament to our dedication to embracing innovation, growth, and a high quality of life for our community."

The Georgia Placemaking Collaborative, a visionary initiative, brings together esteemed organizations such as the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Georgia Conservancy, Electric Cities of Georgia, and Georgia Power. Their shared goal is to empower selected cities, including Union City, in crafting robust local partnerships to tackle critical economic and quality-of-life challenges.

“Attracting and retaining talent is critical for Georgia to prosper in a knowledge-based economy, and placemaking can serve as an effective economic development tool to draw talented workers and entrepreneurs,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson.

Modeled after the successful Georgia Initiative for Community Housing program, the collaborative spans two years, featuring biannual retreats that are integral to the Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative. These retreats provide a platform for participants from diverse backgrounds to receive training from expert practitioners, engage in facilitated work sessions, and foster peer-to-peer learning with other communities facing similar challenges.

The core objective of the collaborative is to instigate or revive prosperity by developing community placemaking strategies. These strategies will leverage local assets to fashion healthy, appealing, and unique spaces for residents to live, work, and play, making Union City stand out in Georgia's evolving landscape.

The Spring Retreat, scheduled for March of this year, will coincide with the Creative Placemaking Communities Creative Placemaking Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. For further information about the Georgia Placemaking Collaborative, please contact Sadie Krawczyk at 678-528-0938 or [email protected].

Union City is poised to embark on a transformative journey, shaping the future of its community through the Georgia Placemaking Collaborative. Join us as we progress toward innovation, connectivity, and lasting prosperity.