To say that 2020 was a year of unprecedented events is to vastly understate the transformations that took place in nearly every facet of life. Buckhead went through its share of changes, and while some challenges remain, there are many people in this community working to ensure that we emerge from the pandemic and economic downturn even stronger than before. These efforts are already building momentum on several fronts:
More Unified Leadership
In mid-2020, the Buckhead Coalition (read below for more information on the Buckhead Coalition), Buckhead Business Association, Buckhead Community Improvement District, and Livable Buckhead aligned portions of their operations. As that partnership continues in 2021, it is facilitating greater cooperation across Buckhead and Atlanta, enabling more effective responses to pressing issues.
Improving Infrastructure
Four major projects will break ground in Buckhead’s commercial core this year—the final phase of Peachtree Road’s transformation; a roundabout at Phipps Boulevard and Wieuca Road; widening of Piedmont Road between Lenox Road and Peachtree; and the first phase of complete street improvements on Lenox Road. In addition, streetscape improvements in the West Village will be completed in 2021.
Progress on Parks and Trails
Buckhead’s transformational PATH400 multi-use trail is now 80 percent complete, and its next major section north of Wieuca Road will break ground in late 2021. Another major greenspace project, HUB404, has emerged from hibernation and plans to enter design and engineering this year.
There are many other good signs on the horizon for Buckhead, such as thriving commercial and residential real estate markets, as well as a growing base of well-respected brands and innovative technology companies. The foundation for success has been laid, and Buckhead is building momentum.
About the Buckhead Coalition
Playing a major role in building Buckhead’s momentum is the Buckhead Coalition, an influential nonprofit civic association that operates much like a chamber of commerce for the Buckhead community. The Buckhead Coalition’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the community within the city of Atlanta and metropolitan region; to support the well-being of Buckhead’s residents, businesses, and visitors; to convene public and private sector leaders and partner organizations; and to connect Buckhead to other areas of the city and region.
In 2020, the Buckhead Coalition created a formal working relationship with three other prominent Buckhead organizations—Buckhead Community Improvement District, Livable Buckhead, and Buckhead Business Association—in order to create a more unified and integrated approach to local leadership. The Buckhead CID now operates as a program of the Buckhead Coalition, while Livable Buckhead and the Buckhead Business Association remain independent organizations that closely collaborate with both the Coalition and the CID. Each organization brings its own strengths, but they share a common purpose: making Buckhead a vibrant community that is welcoming for business, residents, and visitors alike.
The Coalition works closely with local government representatives and safety officers, and also exchanges information with various neighborhood associations and other citizen groups. It was incorporated on August 30, 1988, and is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit civic organization. It is under the leadership of Jim Durrett, president and CEO, and Dave Stockert, chairman.
