1. It Takes a Region: Planning for Growth in the Fort Benning area 2008 Fall Conference October 2, 2008 Augusta, Georgia

2. Growth Factors Fort Benning mission transformation Major employers, such as Aflac, TSYS and Synovus Kia Motors Downtown Columbus revitalization

3. Major Planning Initiatives Columbus Consolidated Government Comprehensive Plan Update Fort Benning Joint Land Use Study Regional Growth Management Plan

4. Columbus Comprehensive Plan Community Outreach 25+ community stakeholder interviews 774 Community Visioning Surveys completed 327 attendees at six Visioning Workshops throughout Columbus 84 attended the Strategic Framework Workshop 105 persons attended 3 Open Houses

5. Columbus Comprehensive Plan Common Themes Preserve neighborhood character Revitalize in SE and Columbus South Reinvest in older areas

6. Columbus Comprehensive Plan Revitalization Areas

7. Columbus Comprehensive Plan The Big Decisions Strengthen City’s Capacity for Revitalization Focus resources on Targeted Redevelopment Areas Make Regulatory and Zoning Changes Rethink Transportation Pursue Additional Financial Resources

8. Columbus Comprehensive Plan Regional Coordination and Partnerships Engage in extensive coordinated planning with Muscogee County School District Work with Ft. Benning to monitor BRAC implementation as it evolves Work across government lines to recruit more jobs. Work with neighboring cities and counties to discourage sprawl Work with Ft. Benning to mitigate noise impacts Evaluate opportunities to become a regional water provider Work with neighboring jurisdictions to promote tourism

9. Joint Land Use Study Study Purpose Reduce the risk of nearby development that can adversely affect the military mission and limit training and readiness activities Protect the heath and safety of residents in surrounding communities and maintain quality of life Promote compatible growth options near Fort Benning Improve communication and coordination

10. Joint Land Use Study Noise Issues – East Columbus and the Columbus-Muscogee Panhandle

11. Regional Growth Management Plan Study Purpose 10 county study area What growth will occur as a result of Base Realignment and Closure? Where will it occur? Impacts to local communities Action plans to prepare decision- makers and service providers Station ALABAMA GEORGIA Harris County Talbot County Taylor County Marion County Stewart County Chattahoochee County Muscogee County Lee County Russell County Barbour County

12. Regional Growth Management Plan Growth Forecast

13. Regional Growth Management Plan Growth Forecast

14. RGMP Housing Analysis Housing Preferences of Military Families Decision Factors –Schools –Money –Proximity Needs –Contract Lengths –Homeownership –Product Pref.

15. RGMP Housing Analysis Housing Preferences

16. RGMP Housing Analysis Density Patterns

17. RGMP Housing Analysis Housing Demand While density is acceptable at Fort Benning, the market is driving individuals further out, as a result of schools, proximity, and price. Is an intervention needed to encourage development in existing neighborhoods…or, should “smart growth” policies be implemented for green field development? Existing housing New housing

18. It Takes a Region: Planning for Growth in the Fort Benning area 2008 Fall Conference October 2, 2008 Augusta, Georgia