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Griffin earns Plan First designation from state for 2025–2027
Summary
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded the city of Griffin a Plan First designation for 2025–2027, its third such recognition. DCA cited Griffin’s comprehensive-plan implementation and said the designation brings competitive advantages for financing and housing programs.
The city of Griffin was named a Plan First community for 2025–2027, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs announced at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 22.
Daniel Gattis, planning outreach coordinator with the Department of Community Affairs, told the commission Griffin is one of only eight communities in the state to receive the designation this cycle and one of a smaller group to earn it three times. He said the designation recognizes implementation of Griffin’s comprehensive plan and strong public engagement.
"This designation marks your third time receiving this recognition," Gattis said, noting reviewers praised Griffin’s goals, leadership, public participation and project implementation. He read reviewer comments citing recent infrastructure work, including miles of water and sewer pipeline and other system improvements.
The designation carries program benefits the city can use to advance housing and infrastructure priorities: DCA cited advantages such as reduced interest rates on certain Georgia Environmental Finance Authority loans, three bonus points on Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) applications and a similar bonus for housing tax credit (LIHTC) applications, and annual eligibility for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding that some non-designated cities do not receive every year.
City Manager Jessica W. Conor thanked DCA for the designation and said it reflects the combined work of staff, elected officials and code enforcement. "This recognition helps us pursue financing and projects to improve housing and infrastructure," Conor said.
The DCA presentation included peer-review comments and examples of projects tied to the comprehensive plan; the designation is effective Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027. The commission acknowledged the award with applause and photos.
