In partnership with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), VHB conducted a Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study to catalyze positive mobility transformations in Clayton County. Cycles of continued disinvestment in the County have resulted in less access to economic opportunity due to isolation from the metro-Atlanta core. Additionally, stormwater challenges in the largely auto-oriented corridor have created pedestrian environments which lack essential streetscaping for comfort and safety.
The study leveraged investment—approximately $350 million for the Rapid Southlake project alone—to activate redevelopment in the area, emphasizing the community’s direct connection to Atlanta Airport, which will serve as an economic engine and provide residents with access to 60,000 jobs, while attracting significant new developer interest to the corridor. Fully leveraging these opportunities, the study recommended enhancing mobility through safe and comfortable pedestrian connections, making transit and employment opportunities accessible. A robust Stormwater and Resilience Strategy was recommended to mitigate persistent neighborhood flooding, reduce future development costs, and build long-term community resilience.
Our community-first approach to the study included close partnerships with local stakeholders like The Collaborative Firm to realize the study’s long-term sustainability and MARTA’s ultimate vision of a resilient Clayton County.
