Downtown Atlanta Inc.

Over more than 80 years, we’ve answered to a few different names—Central Atlanta Improvement Association, Uptown Association, Central Atlanta Progress, Atlanta Downtown, and now Downtown Atlanta Inc.—but our mission has remained the same: championing the heart of the city.

Along the way, we helped launch organizations like Midtown Alliance and Trees Atlanta, created the 120-block Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Ambassador Force, championed the Atlanta Streetcar, and helped spark visionary projects like The Stitch. We also played a key role in bringing Arts & Entertainment Atlanta to life, blending public art, outdoor media, and advertising to support Downtown’s public spaces.

For decades, Downtown Atlanta Inc. has worked behind the scenes to connect ideas, build partnerships, and turn big visions into reality. Here are a few highlights from our journey.

1941

Founding Vision

The Central Atlanta Improvement Association (CAIA) is chartered, laying the foundation for CAP

1952

Laying Groundwork

At CAIA's request, the Georgia General Assembly enacts legislation to build Georgia Plaza Park.

1960

Strategic Unification

Uptown Association forms to promote Midtown growth

1967

Strategic Unification

CAIA and Uptown Association merge to form CAP

1971

Urban Planning Emerges

CAP conducts its first planning project, the Central Area Study, which focuses on transportation issues

1977

Establishing Midtown Alliance

CAP starts the Midtown Business Association, now known as the Midtown Alliance.

1984

Community Investment

Trees Atlanta is founded to boost Downtown greenery.

1985

Community Investment

CAP helps create the Downtown Child Development Center, which provides quality child care for 120 children

1995

Public Safety and Equity

CAP forms the 120-block Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) to make Downtown cleaner, safer and more hospitable.

1996

Ambassador Force Begins

The Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta begins operation under the direction of CAP.

2003

Imagine Downtown

Imagine Downtown, an eight-month planning process for Downtown, was launched to guide future growth, improvements, and redevelopment.

2007

E-newsletter Launch

Downtown Navigator e-newsletter was launched.

2010's

Innovation and Growth

2014: Atlanta Streetcar opens; Center for Civil and Human Rights debuts. 2016: CAP celebrates 75 years and unveils "The Stitch" connector park vision. 2017: Atlanta City Council approves Arts & Entertainment Atlanta (A&E), a project that combines outdoor media, local art, and ads to support public space programs Downtown. 2018: CAP rebrands as "Atlanta Downtown"

2020s

Future Focus

2022: A&E Atlanta grants $510K+ to local creatives and arts organizations 2023: CAP/ADID create a master plan for The Stitch, a Downtown project designed to increase access to housing, transportation, jobs, and community resources. 2024: Peachtree Street Accessibility Project is completed, adding a 255-ft ADA-accessible path in Woodruff Park

About Downtown Atlanta Inc.

Downtown Atlanta Inc. is Downtown’s champion, convener, and catalyst. We bring people together to strengthen the economic vitality of the city’s core, create great places, and advance a shared vision for Atlanta’s future.

Since our founding in 1941 as Central Atlanta Progress, we’ve worked alongside business leaders, property owners, community organizations, and public partners to tackle big challenges and seize big opportunities. Through strategic investments, placemaking, economic development, and public-private partnerships, we help make Downtown a place where people want to live, work, learn, visit, and invest.

Guided by a 100-member board of civic and business leaders, we continue to build on more than eight decades of progress while shaping what’s next for the heart of Atlanta.

View Our 2025 Annual Report

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