Advocacy and Current Projects

Community Development & Planning:

• Working with the Atlanta Regional Commission to consolidate community and neighborhood effects in and around the Old Fourth Ward into one master vision. This vision is informed by years of community planning efforts and subarea plans and will allow neighborhood stakeholders to better advocate for projects that are both necessary and backed by the community. The neighborhood’s current Master Plan is 11 years old and was created before the economic forces of the Atlanta Beltline, the Historic Fourth Ward Park, and developments such as Ponce City Market, so an update is direly needed.
• In Summer of 2019, the Old Fourth Ward Business Association was awarded a City of Atlanta Placemaking Grant for creative placemaking projects along Edgewood Avenue between Boulevard Avenue and Jackson Avenue. This block, in addition to several adjacent ones, has become one of Atlanta’s most lively nightlife districts and presents numerous safety challenges. The Placemaking Team, made up of business owners and stakeholders along Edgewood Avenue, is working with the city to pilot new lighting features on the block to improve the pedestrian experience on this street.
• The Old Fourth Ward Business Association works closely with the City of Atlanta Community Development and Planning Department, Atlanta City Council, City of Atlanta Public Works, and other key stakeholders to ensure the Old Fourth Ward remains a vibrant place for everyone to conduct business, live, and play. After years of advocacy, we continue to support the city in the development of a Nightlife Economy Plan as well as improved loading zones and street striping. 

Raising the Bottom Line

Through the Raising the Bottom Line series and O4W commercial corridor townhalls, the O4WBA aims to identify and fill gaps faced by small and local businesses throughout the Old Fourth Ward. Addressing these gaps and challenges is critical to ensuring entrepreneurs and small neighborhood businesses are able to remain viable and competitive within this community as wealthier stakeholders move in and the cost of doing business increases. With this program, we aim to leverage the community’s growth to benefit businesses of all sizes, preserving and promoting a diverse and creative business community in one of Atlanta’s most popular neighborhoods.