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Alpharetta authority outlines new state training requirement and reports economic development activity
Summary
City staff told the Alpharetta Development Authority that a new state rule requires two hours of annual continuing training on development and redevelopment programs beginning with the 2025–2026 fiscal year; the board also received updates on a $20,000 donation to 'Lights on the Loop,' a $20 million tax-exempt bond closing for Dogwood Square, an upcoming Equifax bond closing, a new community guide, and several local business openings and expansions.
Diana, a member of the City of Alpharetta’s economic development staff, briefed the development authority on a new state training requirement for authority members. "There are now 2 types of training required," she said, describing an initial eight-hour course completed after appointment and a new continuing requirement of "2 hours of continuing training on development and redevelopment programs each year." Diana said the requirement follows the fiscal year, starting July 1, 2025, and that members would have until the end of the fiscal year (June) to complete the annual two-hour requirement. She warned that "if the member fails to complete the training for 2 consecutive years, his or her voting rights would be suspended until the training is complete." Staff offered to assist members by identifying approved programs, facilitating registration, and maintaining completion documentation.
Charlie, from the economic development department, provided several project updates. He said a $20,000 donation approved at the Sept. 30 meeting for "Lights on the Loop" has had its memorandum of understanding executed and payment made to the organization transcribed in the record as the "Affolute Foundation;" Charlie said the event runs Dec. 5 through Dec. 31. Charlie also reported that the Dogwood Square tax-exempt financing (approved July 22) moved forward and tax-exempt bonds closed on Sept. 19 for an issuance Charlie described as $20,000,000. He said an Equifax-related bond issuance approved Sept. 2 is scheduled to close next Thursday and that Equifax’s renovation plans have been submitted to the city.
Charlie unveiled a new community guide — a brochure for prospective businesses, site selectors and brokers — which is available digitally at connectedalpharetta.com and in a limited print run the city retains for outreach. He also noted recent business activity: Ansell, an Australia-based PPE company, opened a U.S. 'experience studio' in Alpharetta off Great Oaks Way (about 24,000 sq ft); a company transcribed as '5 q' opened a 12,000 sq ft IT/cybersecurity headquarters off Founders Way with about 40 employees; and a company transcribed as 'Piong' expanded its Alpharetta site by 30,000 sq ft (20,000 sq ft warehousing and a 10,000 sq ft cleanroom) and is shifting more production to the U.S. Charlie clarified the Piong facility is off Marconi Drive on the east side of 400.
Staff discussed distribution strategies for the community guide, including targeted digital outreach to brokers, a limited print run of roughly 100 copies, and potential branded 'swag' to increase visibility. Charlie said staff will coordinate distribution and social amplification with marketing colleagues.
