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"CAP"

Central Atlanta Progress

Over the course of 80+ years of work, CAP has worked behind the scenes, integrating ideas, building partnerships, and coordinating efforts to improve the central city. Some of the milestones in the history of CAP and its predecessor organizations are highlighted below.

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 Central Atlanta Progress

CAP works to build a 21st century Downtown as the heart of the Atlanta region, a vibrant community with strong leadership and sustainable infrastructure that is safe, livable, diverse, economically viable, accessible, clean, hospitable, and entertaining. Our membership includes corporations, small local businesses, civic organizations, regional leaders, and property owners whose support allows progress to continue.

CAP is a private, not-for-profit corporation created in 1941 under section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code. A 100-member board of directors of Downtown’s most engaged and influential business leaders govern the organization. CAP has a long and distinguished history of civic planning and development activities, characterized by public-private partnerships tackling difficult problems over the long term, with a very high rate of success. View our geographic area of focus.

View Our 2025 Annual Report

CAP IS A CONVENER

CAP brings influencers together to explore issues, confront challenges, identify common agendas, and pursue mutual goals.

CAP is a Partner and Incubator

CAP participates in strategic alliances among economic sectors and the community’s most well-known assets.

CAP is a Steward and a Custodian

CAP provides long-term persistence and continuity in taking on the community’s challenges and opportunities.

CAP is a Champion of Downtown Atlanta

CAP provides vision and leadership, using its influence to catalyze collective action toward a vital, sustainable Atlanta.

CAP Leadership

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