City of Marietta 2022 Comprehensive Plan

Background

The 2022 City of Marietta Comprehensive Plan (2022 Plan) is an update from the 2017 plan developed by the City of Marietta Department of Development Services, Planning and Zoning and Economic Development divisions, and the Atlanta Regional Commission. The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 requires that each local government in the state prepare a long-range comprehensive plan. The purpose of the plan is to highlight the community’s goals and objectives, as well as focus on implementation measures to aid in achieving those goals. The 2022 Plan was written in accordance with recently revised Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) guidelines (effective October 1, 2018). The 2022 Plan builds upon the work program established in the 2017 plan and examines current trends to develop a framework and work program for the next planning period.

Purpose

The 2022 Plan provides the community, stakeholders, staff, and decision makers with a strategic long-term vision that includes basic goals, objectives, and recommendations that are used to guide future growth and development. The Plan is one of the primary tools used by various City Departments, the Planning Commission, City Council, and other policy bodies to make decisions about the location of land uses and community facilities, priorities for public investment, the extension of public services, business development, and how to meet transportation needs. The Plan also provides a community-wide framework for the many other levels of plans and ongoing planning activities that are an integral part to achieving the overall vision of Marietta, including neighborhood and special area plans, transportation plans, and plans for specific community facilities and services, such as parks and public safety.

Contents of the Plan

The 2022 Plan contains three main sections:

• Data & Demographics: examines current demographic and economic data to understand current trends that may have planning implications for the future.
• Current Conditions: looks at the public participation process, current assets of the city, and opportunities for improvement. This analysis is then used to help guide the work program and future land use map. 
• Implementation Measures: contains the Future Land Use map, outlines a Report of Accomplishments from the 2017-2021 Community Work Program, and develops a new 2022-2026 Community Work Program to organize initiatives to be accomplished over the next five years.