Community Economic Development Academy

Along with Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute, the Fanning Institute developed a joint venture with The Center for Working Families, Inc. for a twelve course Community Economic Development Academy for Neighborhood Planning Units "U", "V" and "Y" in Atlanta. Juanita Blount-Clark, Karen Holt, Raye Rawls, Skip Teaster, and Jim Youngquist were involved in the planning and development of this educational community economic development project. The goal was to enhance the knowledge and skills of community residents in neighborhoods that have over 1200 properties in need of demolition and approximately 23% of fire hydrants inoperable. The Academy helped the residents of these NPUs have input in the design and layout of a thirty-five acre business park between I-75 South and Metropolitan Avenue.