The City of Jefferson adopted an Urban Redevelopment Plan in 2012, but after six years, it was out of date and in need of an update. In Georgia, the Urban Redevelopment Act gives municipalities broad redevelopment powers so long as they are exercised according to a current redevelopment plan adopted by the local government. By updating the plan, the City not only regained authority to use certain redevelopment powers, but it also provided an opportunity to expand the redevelopment target area boundaries to best account for recent shifts in development interest within the city.
Mosaic’s approach involved updating the demographic data in the original plan; reengaging interested residents and stakeholders in redevelopment planning and goal setting; and re-surveying blight conditions. Based on this analysis and engagement, Mosaic’s 2018 Urban Redevelopment Plan Update provided the status of initiatives proposed in the initial 2012 plan and outlined new short-term and long-term goals. After close work with city staff and elected officials during the presentation phase, the City Council adopted the plan unanimously.