Major Initiatives
Since its creation in 2003, the ACP has provided direct expertise, investment and pro bono services to support Atlanta’s most critical economic growth and inclusion efforts. Some highlights of its major initiatives and impact include:

Fiscal Accountability
- City of Atlanta Pension Reform
- Commission on Waste and Efficiency

Economic Development
- Westside Future Fund
- Atlanta BeltLine
- Engage Ventures

Infrastructure and Transportation
- City of Atlanta Water and Sewer Project
- 2016 Infrastructure Tax Referenda
- Renew Atlanta
- M.O.S.T. Referenda

Education and Culture
- Centers of Hope
- Support of Atlanta Public Schools
- Martin Luther King Jr. Papers at Morehouse College
- Center for Workforce Innovation (CWI) at Atlanta Technical College
- Atlanta College and Career Academy

Homelessness
- Covid-19 Response
- Analysis of Homelessness Resources

Affordable Housing
- Vacant Land Analysis
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Fiscal Accountability
City of Atlanta Pension Reform
The ACP contributed $2 million to help create a Blue Ribbon Pension Review Panel and fund expert analysis for the development of pension reform options. The panel members served as key advisors to the Mayor and his administration in their efforts to develop the legislation, garner support for pension reform and plan for implementation.
Commission on Waste and Efficiency and Renew Atlanta (2014 – 2015)
The ACP supported the creation of the Commission on Waste and Efficiency to help reduce government inefficiency and accurately forecast the funds needed for major infrastructure improvements in the city. The commission led to a $250 million public infrastructure bond referendum that was ultimately approved by voters for city improvements called ‘Renew Atlanta.’


Economic Development
Westside Future Fund
In partnership with Mayor Reed, the ACP established the Westside Future Fund in December 2014 to lead the revitalization of the historic neighborhoods in this important Atlanta community. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Chick-fil-A Foundation helped establish the fund with significant support.
Atlanta BeltLine
The ACP has been a large supporter of the Atlanta BeltLine, raising more than $10 million in start-up philanthropy for the 22-mile corridor.
Engage
ACP provides support to the Engage accelerator program and venture fund launched in 2017 through the support of 10 ACP-member corporations, which committed $15 million to the fund and will actively support the accelerator through mentoring, education and collaboration.


Infrastructure and
Transportation
2016 Infrastructure Tax Referenda
In 2016, ACP members contributed $1.3 million in support of ballot efforts to pass the T-SPLOST and additional funding for MARTA.
Renew Atlanta
The ACP supported an initiative to identify and reduce government inefficiencies to build support for a public infrastructure bond initiative. In 2015, the city’s residents overwhelmingly voted for a $250 million bond that, combined with other funds, will reduce by half the city’s nearly $1 billion infrastructure backlog.
City of Atlanta Water and Sewer Project
ACP members contributed $250,000 to build public support for a water and sewer municipal option tax, which will generate $700 million in revenue to fund infrastructure improvements. If the vote had failed, water rates could have risen by roughly 30 percent.


Education and Culture
Atlanta Public Schools Leadership Transition
ACP supported the identification and recruitment of Atlanta Public School Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen and provides mentorship to APS board members.
Centers of Hope
The ACP raised more than $1 million in philanthropic funds to reopen the city’s recreation centers and created a task force to develop an overall strategy for youth programs. The ACP also provided pro bono consulting from Boston Consulting Group.
Martin Luther King Jr. Papers
ACP provided $35 million toward Mayor Shirley Franklin’s purchase of the Morehouse College Collection of Martin Luther King Jr. Papers, returning the historic papers to Atlanta.
Center for Workforce Innovation (CWI)
at Atlanta Technical College
In 2019, the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP) launched the Center for Workforce Innovation at Atlanta Technical College, aiming to bridge the skills gap and provide pathways to high-demand careers for Atlanta residents. This initiative offers specialized training, hands-on experience, and industry-aligned curricula in collaboration with local employers, empowering students with the skills needed to thrive in Atlanta's evolving workforce.
Atlanta College and Career Academy (ACCA)
The Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP) supported the Atlanta College and Career Academy (ACCA) by raising $1.7 million to equip program pathways with the necessary tools and technology. This funding provided specialized equipment across various programs, ensuring students have access to hands-on learning experiences that align with industry standards and prepare them for successful careers.


Homelessness
Covid-19 Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP) launched a dedicated response unit to support high-risk homeless individuals. ACP coordinated with city partners to secure hotels for safe housing, protecting vulnerable populations from the virus. Additionally, ACP established a Food War Room, collaborating with various city organizations to ensure that the homeless population received meals and essential care safely throughout the pandemic.


Affordable Housing
Vacant Land Analysis
The Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP) led an initiative with the City of Atlanta to conduct a comprehensive vacant land analysis of all city-owned assets. This effort aimed to identify opportunities for strategic development, with a focus on optimizing underutilized land to benefit the community and support city growth objectives.