Last Friday, with a unanimous vote, the Center was given the go ahead by Invest Atlanta (formerly Atlanta Development Authority) to access Tax Allocation District funding and proceed with our plans to begin building Phase 1 of the facility in June of this year—just five months from now.  The codes and language may be unfamiliar, but it’s fair to say that this is a watershed moment.  Invest Atlanta is tasked with overseeing smart, stable, fiscally responsible growth and development in the City of Atlanta.  This vote indicates their approval of our plans and conviction that the Center will be a positive asset for Downtown Atlanta, bringing visitors, jobs and cultural resources.

In terms of nuts and bolts, this crucial approval from Invest Atlanta turns the key for the rest of the mission.  With a topic as urgent and cerebral as civil and human rights, it’s important that we maintain focus on the practical steps involved in building a structure, seeing to its sustainability, and enrolling the municipal and civic stakeholders in our vision and progress.  This vote was a major, tangible step forward in that regard.   As always, we are aware that it is not enough for the board, staff, donors and fans to believe in this project.  It has to make its own case—the ideas have to be strong enough to convince anyone that this institution is worth building.   I’m grateful for the vote of confidence and believe this was the right decision for the our community.

So what’s next?  Pre-construction work, groundbreaking event planning, accelerated exhibition development, and fundraising for Phase 2 all while growing the events and programs you have come to expect from us.   Look for a groundbreaking date in the coming weeks, along with news of various permits, celebrations and noted guests as we move to a new stage of bringing the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to life.