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The Planning Department undertakes a variety of projects that can generally be put in two categories: Long Range Planning and Current Planning.
Long Range Planning is a continual process of developing goals and objectives for a better future. It involves the inventory of resources such as land, natural and cultural, economic, human, governmental and others. After an analysis of the current state of these resources, a vision is created for the future. Current Planning is the development of activities that act to implement Long Range Planning. These include zoning and subdivision regulations, grant writing and educational activities among other activities to help the communities better serve their residents. |
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General Governmental ServicesThe SWGRC assists local governments to ensure compliance with the Georgia Planning Act of 1989 by providing the following assistance and services:
· State Intergovernmental Consultation Services · Annexation Studies · Statewide Local Government Survey Assistance · Impact Fee Consultation · Tax Assessment and Revenues |
Planning and ZoningPlanning and Zoning
· Community Visioning and Design · Comprehensive Plans · Subdivision Ordinances · Service Delivery Strategies · Community Work Programs · Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Ordinances · Developments of Regional Impact · Population & Demographic Analyses · Recreation Plans · Land Use Management · Adoption of Building/Condemnation Programs |
Environmental PlanningSolid Waste Management
· Most solid waste plans in our region are updated every ten years. The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission can assist with you community's plan update. |
Economic DevelopmentThe Southwest Georgia Regional Commission works with member governments to promote strong economic and community development by providing:
· Technical Assistance for Industry Retention and Business Recruitment · Administration of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) · Assistance in Securing Economic and Community Development Based Grants and Loans. · Tourism Development · Employment Incentive Program |
Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation Planning program at the Southwest Georgia RC started in the mid 1970's. Its purpose is to assist the local governments and interested citizens of the region with anything related to the preservation of buildings, places, sites and neighborhoods. A variety of services are offered.
These include:
· National Register Nominations
· Grant Writing
· Downtown Revitalization Strategies
· Design Assistance
· Tax Incentive Assistance
· Historic Preservation Commission Guidance
· Development of Local Regulations
· Mitigation/Documentation Guidance
These include:
· National Register Nominations
· Grant Writing
· Downtown Revitalization Strategies
· Design Assistance
· Tax Incentive Assistance
· Historic Preservation Commission Guidance
· Development of Local Regulations
· Mitigation/Documentation Guidance
TransportationThe SWGRC is currently able to assist with basic transportation studies and is working with local and state governments to ensure the overall provision of a safe and efficient transportation system within the region through the following initiatives:
GDOT and DHS Regional Transit Service · Administer the regional transit service on behalf of the 14-county region in coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Department of Human Resources (DHS) GDOT Planning Programs · Assist local governments and the region as a whole in implementing the following GDOT Planning Programs: · Transportation Enhancement · Safe Routes to School · Scenic Byways · Bike and Pedestrian Planning · Rural Public Transit Planning · Assist local governments in creating American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plans as required by GDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 
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HousingA mission of RC is to provide access to adequate and affordable housing to the citizens of Southwest Georgia by supporting and providing the following programs and services:
Housing Needs Assessments · Survey, classification and description of the houses in a neighborhood or target area along with a photograph of each unit · The information collected is mapped using GPS technology and aerial photography Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) · Development of CDBG applications and administration Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) · Development of CHIP applications and administration Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force (SWGHTF) · Educational Sessions Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month throughout the region · Housing Conferences Conducted annually by the SWGHTF and its partners · On-Site Housing Fairs May be held in partnership with various employers and organizations |
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