College Park officials released a plan this week aimed at drawing more convention and tourist business to the city nestled next to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Mayor Jack Longino called the strategic plan for economic development the city's "roadmap for greatness."
“The strategic plan blends research with vision, respecting the delicate nature of our historic district, while boldly outlining our determination to lead in attracting new business to the region,” he said in a press release.
The plan focuses on four goals; business attraction; retention and expansion of existing businesses; redevelopment; and small business development. The plan started as part of the city’s Livable Centers Initiative program, with assistance from the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Part of the plan focuses on the city using its existing strengths to lure conventions and visitors to the city. With more than 5,100 hotel rooms and the second largest convention center in the state, the city is poised to expand its existing hospitality infrastructure and lure more tourists to the city, said Economic Development Director Barbra Coffee.
“We have the fourth largest historic National Register Historic Districts in the state, along with a historic nine-hole golf course that was built in 1929,” said Coffee, who has worked on the plan since joining the city in 2009.
While the city is only 10 square miles, Coffee said the city owns more than 200 acres that could be developed as tourist sites.
She hopes to soon have a unified marketing strategy for the city and work on luring more national and regional conferences, along with new businesses. The type of industry compatible with the infrastructure and location according to the plan include aviation and aerospace, biotechnology and medical and logistics and transportation.
“This gives us a targeted approach when looking at the type of companies we want to attract to College Park. If you don't know where you're going, it's really tough to get there,” she added.
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