Legislative Agenda

Our legislative agenda has historically focused on long-term investments in the regional transportation network; water and land use regulations; and policies that support economic development. Council membership has specifically encouraged the continued pursuit of long-term transportation funding with a particular focus on transit and connectivity across the region.

2025 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems and those across the state.
  • Support policies that seek to enhance Georgia’s freight & logistics infrastructure.
  • Support increased funding to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), with additional investment specifically directed to projects sponsored by Community Improvement Districts and/or local governments.
  • Support the continued investment in electric vehicle infrastructure and innovations in transportation technology to keep moving the state forward.
  • Support efforts to incentivize the growth of public-private partnerships and other privately financed alternatives.
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”.

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses.
  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process.
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Support policies to improve the state’s stormwater management practices to enhance water quality, mitigate flooding, and ensure our continued quality of life.

Housing Regulation

  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools and incentives, impact fee waivers, funding mechanisms, new planning models and zoning codes, and new housing types, to enable the development and redevelopment of more workforce and affordable housing, such as the CHOICE Act.
  • Support safe and affordable options for alternative building materials and methods, and flexible building codes that don’t over-restrict industry options.

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land.
  • Support legislative initiatives that create, recruit, and expand Georgia’s workforce to promote economic mobility and prosperity.
  • Support any legislation that continues or enhances the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities.
  • Promote policies that would positively impact our business climate and are not discriminatory in nature.
  • Oppose legislation that imposes additional restrictions on the development, banking, and business communities.
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

Previous Annual Legislative Agendas

2024 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems and those across the state.
  • Support policies that seek to enhance Georgia’s freight & logistics infrastructure.
  • Support state funding allocation to Georgia Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail Program, project recommendations from E-Commerce & Freight Infrastructure Funding Commission, and the strategic planning and funding mechanisms for updating and expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure.
  • Support increased funding to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), with additional investment specifically directed to projects sponsored by Community Improvement Districts and/or local governments.
  • Support legislation that authorizes Community Improvement Districts, Development Authorities, and Local Workforce Development Boards to convene Board meetings by teleconference to ensure business continuity.
  • Support the continued investment in electric vehicle infrastructure and innovations in transportation technology to keep moving the state forward.
  • Support state funding to pilot emerging mobility solutions in communities throughout Georgia.
  • Support efforts to identify and eliminate legal or regulatory impediments to incentivize the growth of public-private partnerships and other privately financed alternatives.
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses.
  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process.
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, including additional funding to ensure adequate sources of clean water for metro Atlanta’s future growth and quality of life.
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Support policies to improve the state’s stormwater management practices to enhance water quality, mitigate flooding, and ensure our continued quality of life.
  • Support legislation that enables the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for business growth.
  • Support legislation that incentivizes 21st century infrastructure and promotes investment in Georgia’s economy.
  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools and incentives, new planning models and zoning codes, and new housing types, to enable the development of more workforce and affordable housing. Support safe and affordable options for alternative building materials and methods, and flexible building codes that don’t over-restrict industry options.
  • Support legislative initiatives that create, recruit, and expand Georgia’s workforce to promote economic mobility and prosperity.
  • Support any legislation that continues or enhances the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities.
  • Promote policies that would positively impact our business climate and are not discriminatory in nature.
  • Oppose legislation that imposes additional restrictions on the development, banking, and business communities.
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2023 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems and those across the state.
  • Support policies that seek to enhance Georgia’s freight & logistics infrastructure.
  • Support state funding allocation to Georgia Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail Program, project recommendations from E-Commerce & Freight Infrastructure Funding Commission, and the strategic planning and funding mechanisms for updating and expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure.
  • Support the continued investment in electric vehicle infrastructure to keep moving the state forward.
  • Support increased funding to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), with additional investment specifically directed to projects sponsored by Community Improvement Districts and/or local governments.
  • Support efforts to identify and eliminate legal or regulatory impediments to incentivize the growth of public-private partnerships and other privately financed alternatives.
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”.

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses.
  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process.
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, including additional funding to ensure adequate sources of clean water for metro Atlanta’s future growth and quality of life.
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Support policies to improve the state’s stormwater management practices to ensure our continued quality of life.
  • Support legislation that enables the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for business growth.
  • Support legislation that incentivizes 21st century infrastructure and promotes investment in Georgia’s economy.
  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools and incentives, new planning models and zoning codes, and new housing types, to enable the development of more workforce and affordable housing. Support safe and affordable options for alternative building materials and methods, and flexible building codes that don’t over-restrict industry options.
  • Support economic development tools and incentives to create, recruit and retain businesses.
  • Support any legislation that continues or enhances the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities.
  • Promote policies that would positively impact our business climate and are not discriminatory in nature
  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities.
  • Oppose legislation that imposes additional restrictions on the development, banking, and business communities.
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2022 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems and those across the state.
  • Support policies that seek to enhance Georgia’s freight & logistics infrastructure.
  • Support state funding allocation to Georgia Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail Program and projects recommendation from E-Commerce & Freight Infrastructure Funding Commission.
  • Support increased funding to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), with additional investment specifically directed to projects sponsored by Community Improvement Districts and/or local governments.
  • Support efforts to identify and eliminate legal or regulatory impediments to incentivize the growth of public-private partnerships and other privately financed alternatives
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses.
  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process.
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, including additional funding to ensure adequate sources of clean water for metro Atlanta’s future growth and quality of life.
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Support legislation that enables the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for business growth.
  • Support legislation that incentivizes 21st century infrastructure and promotes investment in Georgia’s economy.
  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools to guide affordable housing creation.
  • Support economic development tools and incentives to create, recruit and retain businesses.
  • Support any legislation that continues or enhances the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities.
  • Promote policies that would positively impact our business climate and are not discriminatory in nature
  • Oppose legislation that imposes additional restrictions on the development, banking, and business communities.
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2021 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems;
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”;
  • Support legislation that clarifies technical processes but doesn’t infringe on the core mission and purpose of the ATL Authority (HB 930, 2018).
  • Support policies that seek to enhance Georgia’s freight & logistics infrastructure and
  • Support state funding allocation to Georgia Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail Program and projects recommendation from freight & logistics study reports
  • Support legislation that increases funding to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), with additional investment specifically directed to transportation projects sponsored by Community Improvement Districts and/or local governments.
  • Support efforts to identify and eliminate legal or regulatory impediments to incentivize the growth of public-private partnerships and other privately financed alternatives to traditional methods of the procurement, design, construction, improvement, renovation, expansion, equipping, maintenance, operation, implementation, installation, and financing of infrastructure and government facilities within this state that serve a public need and purpose

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses;
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, including additional funding;
  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process;
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding;
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities;
  • Promote reasonable and effective short-term rental regulations;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for business growth;
  • Support economic development tools and incentives to create, recruit and retain businesses;
  • Oppose policies that would negatively impact our business climate or can be perceived as discriminatory in nature
  • Support legislation that incentivizes 21st century infrastructure and promotes investment in Georgia’s economy;
  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools to guide affordable housing creation;
  • Oppose legislation that imposes additional restrictions on the development, banking and business communities;
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2020 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems;
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”;
  • Support legislation that clarifies technical processes but doesn’t infringe on the core mission and purpose of the ATL Authority (HB 930, 2018).
  • Support policies that seek to enhance Georgia’s freight & logistics infrastructure;
  • Support legislation that increases funding to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), with additional investment specifically directed to transportation projects sponsored by Community Improvement Districts and/or local governments.

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses;
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, including additional funding;
  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process;
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding;
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities;
  • Promote reasonable and effective short-term rental regulations;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for business growth;
  • Support economic development tools and incentives to create, recruit and retain businesses;
  • Oppose policies that would negatively impact our business climate or can be perceived as discriminatory in nature
  • Support legislation that incentivizes 21st century infrastructure and promotes investment in Georgia’s economy;
  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools to guide affordable housing creation;
  • Oppose legislation that imposes additional restrictions on the development, banking and business communities;
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2019 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support legislation that funds multi-year transportation and infrastructure needs;
  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems;
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”;
  • Support legislation that clarifies technical processes but doesn’t infringe on the core mission and purpose of the ATL Authority (HB 930, 2018).

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process;
  • Promote effective water management policy to ensure adequate sources of clean water to meet the needs of Georgia’s growing population and businesses;
  • Continue support of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, including additional funding;
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding;
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner;

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose policies that would negatively impact our business climate or can be perceived as discriminatory in nature, and could harm our ability to create, attract, retain and expand jobs in Georgia (e.g. RFRA);
  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for business growth;
  • Support economic development tools and incentives to create, recruit and retain businesses;
  • Support legislation that incentivizes 21st century infrastructure and promotes investment in Georgia’s economy;
  • Support legislation that allows for greater confidentiality when engaging with business prospects;
  • Support legislation that streamlines and consolidates E-Verify processes;
  • Support legislation that focuses on economic development tools to guide affordable housing creation;
  • Oppose legislation that increases regulation or adds new restrictions on the development, banking and business communities;
  • Oppose legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2018 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support legislation that funds multi-year transportation and infrastructure needs;
  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems;
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015.”

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land that has water bodies on it and encourage efficiency in the permitting process.
  • Continue support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.
  • Continue to advocate for inter-basin water transfers.

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose policies that would negatively impact our business climate, are or can be perceived as discriminatory in nature, and could harm our ability to create, attract, retain and expand jobs in Georgia (e.g. RFRA);
  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage redevelopment of land not being properly utilized and for small business growth;
  • Support economic development tools and incentives to start, recruit and retain businesses;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage small business growth;
  • Support legislation that allows for greater confidentiality when engaging with business prospects;
  • Oppose legislation that increases regulation or adds new restrictions on the development, banking and business communities;
  • Oppose any legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2017 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support legislation that funds multi-year transportation and infrastructure needs;
  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems;
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”.

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land encumbered by streams and water bodies and encourage efficiency in the permitting process;
  • Continues support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.
  • Continue to advocate for inter-basin water transfers;

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage small business growth;
  • Support legislation that allows for greater confidentiality when engaging with business prospects;
  • Oppose legislation that increases regulation or adds new restrictions on the development, banking and business communities;
  • Oppose any legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2016 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support legislation that funds multi-year transportation and infrastructure needs;
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal any portion of House Bill 170, the “Transportation Funding Act of 2015”;
  • Support measures to expand and streamline the operation of metro Atlanta’s transit systems.

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Support legislation that allows for greater flexibility in use of land encumbered by streams and water bodies and encourage efficiency in the permitting process;
  • Continues support of the existing brownfield programs, including additional funding.
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner.
  • Continue to advocate for inter-basin water transfers;

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Development Authorities;
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage small business growth;
  • Support legislation that allows for greater confidentiality when engaging with business prospects;
  • Oppose legislation that increases regulation or adds new restrictions on the development, banking and business communities;
  • Oppose any legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights.

2015 Legislative Agenda

Transportation

  • Support funding mechanisms that fully fund multi-year transportation and infrastructure needs
  • Oppose any legislation that seeks to repeal the penalty portion of the “Transportation Investment Act”

Water and Land Use and Environmental Regulation

  • Support legislation that allows greater flexibility in use of land encumbered by streams and water bodies and encourage efficiency in the permitting process
  • Support legislation that encourages greater flexibility and economic incentives for Brownfield development
  • Oppose legislation that restricts the industry’s ability to develop in a quality and cost-effective manner
  • Continue advocacy for inter-basin water transfers
  • Promote full-funding for Governor’s Water Supply Program

Economic Development and Job Creation

  • Oppose any legislation that limits the current structure and functions of Community Improvement Districts and Downtown Development Authorities
  • Advocate for legislation that creates enhanced tax incentives to encourage small business growth
  • Oppose legislation that increases regulation or adds new restrictions on the development, banking, and business communities
  • Oppose any legislation that infringes on Georgia citizens’ property rights

The Council for Quality Growth promotes balanced and responsible growth in the metro Atlanta region and state by:

  • Promoting long range planning and adequate delivery of government services
  • Serving as a catalyst for consensus on growth issues
  • Providing a forum for discussion of responsible development, and economic or technical expertise as needed

Legislative Updates

Get the latest updates on legislative efforts, recent news, and latest activity in Under the Gold Dome, our weekly members-only legislative session newsletter.

Contact Us

For more information about our Legislative Agenda, please contact the Council’s Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Joseph Santoro.

If you have not yet set up your username and password – or have questions about membership or logging in – email: info@councilforqualitygrowth.org