What is The Atlanta Planning Advisory Board or APAB?

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APAB serves to advise the City on city-wide issues, goals and objectives relative, but not limited to the Comprehensive Development Plan, land use, zoning transportation, environmental quality, license review, parks and open spaces. APAB also advises the City on matters relating to citizen organizations and participation in the planning process.

WHAT DOES APAB DO?

• The Planning Advisory Board maintains direct communication with the Commissioner of Planning.

• APAB is the official voice of Atlanta’s citizens in the planning process pursuant to provisions of the Atlanta City Charter, and actions of this Board and its membership are subject to the City Code of Ethics.

• The Board assists City agencies in determining priorities; it reviews and makes recommendations on budgetary items and matters of policy.

• APAB often advises the City concerning responsiveness of city government to its citizen organizations and other citizen participants in the planning, administrative and legislative processes.

• APAB may also perform other functions as required by federal law relative to citizen participation where federal law does not mandate assignment to a specific agency, and may perform other duties as assigned by the Mayor and City Council.

• APAB nominates citizens for appointments to seats on numerous City boards and commissions.

The City of Atlanta is divided into twenty-five (25) Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), which are citizen advisory councils that make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on zoning, land use, and other planning-related matters.

The NPU system was established in 1974 by the late Mayor Maynard Jackson to provide an opportunity for all residents to actively participate in the Comprehensive Development Plan, which is the city's vision for the next five, ten, and fifteen years.

Since then the NPU system has evolved into what it is today – the official avenue for residents to receive updates concerning all functions of City government. Enabling residents to express concerns and provide input helps the City in developing plans that best meet the needs of each neighborhood. 

Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older whose primary residence is within the NPU, as well as to any corporation, organization, institution, or agency which owns property or has a place of business within the NPU.

Which Neighborhood Planning Unit do I live in?

• City of Atlanta's GIS tool – click here

• In the top left corner, enter property address in the Find address or place text box (hit enter)

• Once Property Information is displayed on the right side of the screen, scroll to the Administrative Area and the corresponding NPU letter will be displayed

• I want to see a list of every neighborhood in each NPU – click here

• I want to see every neighborhood in alphabetical order with corresponding NPU – click here