Photo of the first round of community meetings for the Brookhaven Comp Plan courtesy of Ansley Belton of Blue Cypress Consulting.
As Brookhaven, the largest city in DeKalb County, Georgia, marks its 10th anniversary of becoming an incorporated city, Fourth Economy played a crucial role in supporting its 10-year Comprehensive Plan Update, under the leadership of Decatur, GA, based firm Blue Cypress Consulting.
Over the past decade, the 2034 Comprehensive Plan, created in 2014, and its update in 2019 have guided the growth and development across the City, including quality of life efforts like the expansion of the Peachtree Creek Greenway and advancing public art, as well as major land use decisions to spur economic growth, including investment in and around Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta campus and Emory at Executive Park.
Recently, our team led the housing and economic development analysis for the 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update, supporting Brookhaven’s vision for growth and wellbeing of its community members.
Fourth Economy's Key Contributions:
Our team conducted a comprehensive in-depth data analysis, beginning with a look at the city’s demographic characteristics to gain a clear understanding of Brookhaven's community composition, change over time, and projected growth. We assessed homeownership and cost burden rates to gauge housing affordability, while also analyzing employment, entrepreneurship, and industry trends to inform economic development strategies.
Stakeholder engagement was a crucial component of this project. We conducted interviews with key economic development leaders, business owners, and employers to gather insights from those deeply involved in Brookhaven's economic landscape. Additionally, the team facilitated focus groups on affordable housing and real estate development, and supported community engagement sessions to ensure residents' voices were heard.
Strategic recommendations addressed several key areas. Through data analysis and engagement, we identified a clear need for "missing middle" housing and innovative zoning to allow diversification of housing options. We also recommended strategies to prevent commercial gentrification, with a particular focus on preserving the long standing businesses and unique character of the Buford Highway corridor.
In Brookhaven, the entrepreneurs and multicultural businesses play a vital role in the local economy. As such, we recommended creating more live-work opportunities near economic hubs to enhance quality of life and reduce commute times. We also suggested forming even stronger partnerships with anchor institutions to address workforce housing needs, ensuring that essential workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Finally, to inform recommendations, we uncovered best practices around community land trust models like Boston's Dudley Neighbors, Inc., dedicated funding mechanisms for affordable housing like Denver's Affordable Housing Fund, and innovative housing solutions including strip mall conversions and partnerships with major employers.
Photo of the first round of community meetings for the Brookhaven Comp Plan courtesy of Ansley Belton of Blue Cypress Consulting.
Our Impact:
Fourth Economy's analysis and community engagement work has helped to lay the groundwork for Brookhaven's comprehensive economic development strategy. The resulting recommendations aim to preserve the city's cultural heritage, promote affordable housing, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Next Steps:
The plan was unanimously approved at the October 8, 2024, Brookhaven City Council meeting. Insights uncovered during the process will guide Brookhaven's growth over the coming decades.
Looking to shape your community's economic future? Fourth Economy's expert team is ready to bring data-driven, community-focused strategies to your city or region. Contact us here.
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