onecumberland, Author at Cumberland CID

CCID Partners with Beep to Develop Learnings for Future Cumberland Sweep Mobility Strategy

The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) is proud to announce its partnership with Beep, a national leader in multi-passenger and electric autonomous mobility solutions, to launch the Cumberland Hopper, an autonomous shuttle pilot program providing additional connectivity throughout the Cumberland district. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in transforming transportation options within Cumberland, offering enhanced connectivity, sustainability, and convenience to the business community, residents, and visitors. The pilot program will launch on July 25^th and will operate through March 2024, demonstrating the Cumberland CID’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable mobility options to the growing Cumberland community.

The Cumberland Hopper, presented by the Cumberland CID in collaboration with Beep, will provide an enhanced and efficient complimentary transportation service by leveraging Beep’s advanced autonomous mobility solutions and national experience.

During the pilot program, the Cumberland Hopper autonomous shuttle will operate along two designated routes, connecting key destinations as part of a major mobility project in development by the Cumberland CID called the Cumberland Sweep. The eight-month pilot program will connect visitors, residents, and the community to destinations around Cobb Galleria and to The Battery.

The pilot program’s duration, from July 2023 to March 2024, will provide CCID the data collection, performance evaluation, and community feedback to further define and develop the long-term Cumberland Sweep mobility strategy which will be implemented over the next several years. The Sweep is a three-mile plus corridor of dedicated walking and biking lanes strategically designed to connect key destinations throughout the core of the Cumberland CID. The future multimodal path will improve accessibility, enhance safety, and provide alternative transportation options, reducing reliance on traditional car commutes. With the Cumberland Sweep, the business community, residents, and visitors can effortlessly traverse the Cumberland area, accessing prominent locations such as The Battery Atlanta, Truist Park, Cumberland Mall, Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), reducing carbon emissions and improved traffic flow.

“We are excited to partner with Beep, a leader in autonomous mobility, to bring the Cumberland Hopper autonomous shuttle pilot program to the Cumberland CID,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director of the Cumberland CID. “By embracing Beep’s cutting-edge solutions, we are providing our community with a sustainable and convenient transportation option that prioritizes connectivity and safety. The Cumberland Hopper presented by the Cumberland CID represents our commitment to innovation and progress, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our district.”

Beep, renowned for its expertise in autonomous mobility solutions, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Cumberland Hopper pilot program as the autonomous solution provider having multiple active deployments across the county. As a trusted partner, Beep’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and reliability aligns perfectly with the Cumberland CID’s vision for sustainable growth and connectivity within the district.

“We are delighted to partner with the Cumberland CID to bring autonomous mobility to the Cumberland community,” said Joe Moye, CEO, Beep, Inc. “Our cutting-edge autonomous solutions are designed to provide equal access to transportation and streamlined connectivity to communities across the country. The Cumberland Hopper pilot program exemplifies our shared mission of providing safe and effective transportation, and we are excited to showcase the benefits of autonomous mobility to the Cumberland CID.”

The launch of the Cumberland Hopper pilot program as part of the development of the Cumberland Sweep project marks a significant milestone in the Cumberland CID’s ongoing efforts to enhance mobility and foster economic growth within the district. By collaborating with Beep, the Cumberland CID reinforces its position as a catalyst for sustainable development and progress. Learn more about the Cumberland Hopper at https://cumberlandsweep.org/

Cumberland CID Launches Autonomous Shuttle Pilot Program, Plans for Future Growth Read More »

Commercial property owners of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) elected Stephen Gentry to the Cumberland CID Board of Directors at a Caucus of Electors Thursday morning. Gentry filled an open post created by the retirement of Vice Chair Connie Engel from the Board.

Gentry represents Genuine Parts Company (GPC) located in the Wildwood Office Complex. A Fortune 200 global distributor of automotive and industrial parts, GPC serves customers from a network of more than 10,000 locations across North America, Europe, and Australasia with approximately 58,000 employees in 17 countries.

“It is an honor to be elected to serve on the Cumberland CID’s Board of Directors,” said Gentry. “I am proud to join this 35-year successful organization which has helped transform Cumberland into an economic powerhouse. There is no greater place in the metro region to live, own a business, work, and visit all while enjoying the many unique assets Cumberland has to offer. I look forward to continuing the mission and goals of the Cumberland CID.”

Board members Chris McCoy, Cumberland Mall/Brookfield Properties, Bob Voyles, Seven Oaks Company, and Mike Plant, Braves Development Company, were reelected to the Board.

Connie Engel was first elected to the Board in 2000 as a representative of Childress Klein Properties. As a partner, Engel is highly regarded for her experience in the commercial real estate industry and has built deep relationships in the Cumberland community. Throughout her service on the Board, Engel was instrumental in helping navigate the success of landmark infrastructure projects for the region including the Akers Mill Ramp, Windy Hill Widening and Diverging Diamond Interchange, U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway) Widening, the Akers Mill and Bob Callan Trails, and more.

Stephen Gentry joined GPC as Senior Director in 2018 and served in several finance roles prior to his promotion to Vice President in 2022. In his current role, Gentry leads financial shared services, corporate finance, technical accounting, and financial reporting, among other things. Prior to joining GPC, Gentry served as Senior Director – International Accounting Research at The Coca-Cola Company and Director of Financial Reporting at Aaron’s, Inc. Gentry began his career in 2002 at EY, working in their audit and assurance practice and rising to the level of senior manager, primarily serving large, multinational public companies in manufacturing and distribution. While at EY, Gentry participated in a three-year residency program in EY’s national accounting office in New York, focusing on accounting for complex transactions.

Cumberland CID Board Members from left to right: Stephen Gentry, Alex Valente, John Shern, Connie Engel (outgoing Board Member), Barry Teague, Chris McCoy, and Mike Plant. Not pictured: Bob Voyles.

About Cumberland CID

The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is one of the nation’s premier models of public-private collaboration. More than 190 Commercial property owners pay additional property taxes, and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, better connectivity, and a more vibrant character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for the community by initiating and leading enhancements to make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Today, Cumberland has a $23.6 billion annual impact on Georgia’s economy. Cumberland is home to leading companies including The Home Depot, Papa Johns, TKE, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more. To learn more about the Cumberland CID go to cumberlandcid.org.

Stephen Gentry Succeeds Connie Engel on Cumberland CID Board Read More »

Earlier this month, the Cumberland Community Improvement District was awarded a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Grant by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The $100,000 grant will fund a creative placemaking plan that identifies opportunities for placemaking initiatives while promoting pedestrian safety and local art.

This announcement by ARC is exciting news,” said Kim Menefee, executive director for the Cumberland CID. “The award is a crucial next step for our thriving District. This study will add a cohesive community plan to further build upon the vibrancy and energy in Cumberland. Whether it is exploring opportunities for public art, activating our many trails, or working together to enhance pedestrian safety, this plan will enrich the Cumberland identity.

Upon completion of the creative placemaking plan, the Cumberland CID will be eligible to apply for federal transportation funding projects, such as corridor improvements and bike-ped infrastructure, to bring the vision to life.

The LCI program was created in 1999 by ARC to help the region’s communities envision and build healthy, mixed-use, mixed-income developments that help reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality. The program is recognized as a national best practice for how metropolitan planning organizations can lead efforts to alleviate transportation concerns while improving overall quality of life.

About Cumberland CID

About the Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning, and investments.

Cumberland CID Awarded Atlanta Regional Commission Livable Centers Initiative Grant Read More »

Cumberland Community Meeting Recap Video Read More »

The inaugural Cumberland Community Meeting benefiting One Cumberland will happen on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the TK Elevator Tower from 7 – 9:30 a.m. The event will celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the Cumberland CID and the launch of One Cumberland, Cumberland’s first community 501(c)(3) designed to bolster the work of the Cumberland CID.

The Cumberland Community Meeting will present an exciting program featuring keynote speaker Mike Plant, President and CEO of the Atlanta Braves Development Company, who will give an update on the Atlanta Braves and the developments within The Battery Atlanta. Two expert panels will focus on Cumberland’s smart growth and the area’s thriving arts, culture, and recreational scene. Attendees also will be treated to a special performance from the Atlanta Opera, now based in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

“The first-ever Cumberland Community Meeting will showcase our vibrant community and the many unique assets that make Cumberland an ideal place for people to live, work and visit, while also providing valuable networking opportunities for our attendees,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director – Cumberland CID and One Cumberland. “We are also excited to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the Cumberland CID, the state’s first CID, and are looking toward the future with the addition of One Cumberland and its mission to broaden the reach, funding, and impact of the CID. Together we will continue to prosper through diverse growth.”

Following breakfast and networking at 7 a.m., experts from across Cumberland’s diverse business and cultural communities will speak. Panel one, Where Smart Growth Comes Naturally, will highlight the growth of Cumberland’s economy and area business and investment opportunities. The panel also will delve into the area’s cultural and demographic shifts and explore the amenities available to tenants, residents, and visitors. Speakers include:

Rob Garcia, Regional President – Pinnacle Financial Partners;
Nancy Juneau, CEO – Juneau Construction Company;
Chad Koenig, Executive Director, Tenant Representation – Occupier Services, Cushman Wakefield;
Chris McCoy, General Manager, Cumberland Mall – Brookfield Properties; and
Matt Teague, Development Director – Walton Communities

Panel two, The Rise of a Vibrant Community, will showcase the Cumberland area’s thriving arts and culture scene along with its ample outdoor recreation opportunities. Speakers include:

Kim Menefee, Executive Director – Cumberland CID and One Cumberland;
Ann Honious, Superintendent, CRNRA – National Park Service;
Jon Ingram, Director of Corporate Relations – Woodruff Arts Center;
Holly Quinlan, President & CEO – Cobb Travel and Tourism; and
Tomer Zvulun, General and Artistic Director – Atlanta Opera

Gold sponsors for the Cumberland Community Meeting include The Atlanta Braves Development Company, Comcast, Cushman & Wakefield, Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP, Gas South, JE Dunn Construction, Pennant Park/Rubenstein Partners, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, TK Elevator, and Walton Communities. More than 30 companies are sponsoring the event.

To learn more about the Cumberland Community Meeting, click here. To purchase individual tickets, click here. Breakfast and parking in the Silver Deck will be included in the ticket price.

About Cumberland CID

About One Cumberland

One Cumberland is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) designed to bolster the CID’s work and enhancement of projects by broadening its reach, funding, and impact. The mission of One Cumberland is to protect and conserve the natural resources of Cumberland and establish the district as a vibrant, diverse community through the enrichment of cultural amenities, quality of life, improved access, and environmental stewardship.

Media Contacts:

Jamie Donaldson, on behalf of Cumberland CID

jdonaldson@c21pr.com

404.814.1330

Adam Ross

Director of Public & Government Affairs

aross@cumberlandcid.org

Cumberland CID and One Cumberland to Hold Inaugural Cumberland Community Meeting at TK Elevator Tower on March 2 Read More »

Join the Cumberland CID for a bike station launch at The Battery Atlanta on Tuesday, November 29th! The goal is to raise awareness for the new Battery Atlanta South Bike Share Station. Participants will be able to test ride a bike and learn about trails in the Cumberland area.

Date: Tuesday, November 29th

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: I-285 Pedestrian Bridge near Papa Johns

Parking: Silver Deck at Papa Johns

The event will feature a short program and ribbon cutting at approximately 12:15 p.m. Papa Johns pizza and giveaways will be provided while supplies last.

Location Map:

Cumberland CID to Host Bike Station Launch in The Battery Atlanta Read More »

(CUMBERLAND) – Today, the inaugural meeting for One Cumberland’s Board of Directors was held, officially launching Cumberland’s first community 501(c)(3) organization (onecumberland.org). One Cumberland, founded by the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), will help bolster the work of the Cumberland CID by enhancing and broadening its reach, funding, and impact.

“Creating and maintaining a livable, vibrant community doesn’t happen by itself,” said One Cumberland Board Chair Rob Garcia. “Cumberland’s story is evolving. Now one of Cobb’s most diverse areas, Cumberland is home to over 30,000 residents and 3,300 businesses. One Cumberland will embrace this growth and engage our diversity to further establish Cumberland as a place where people want to live, work, and visit.

“The is an exciting day for our community,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director for the Cumberland CID. “Since 1988, the Cumberland CID has invested over $160 million into key infrastructure projects and enhancements that have led to the success of the region. One Cumberland will build upon this success by being the engine that continues to boost quality of life and elevate all the assets that make Cumberland unique.”

The mission of One Cumberland is to protect and conserve the natural resources of Cumberland and establish the District as a vibrant, diverse community through the enrichment of cultural amenities, quality of life, improved access, and environmental stewardship. The Cumberland CID will staff and manage the day-to-day administration and operations for One Cumberland’s programs and projects.

Created by Constitutional Amendment, CIDs have the unique ability to partner with county, state, and federal agencies to plan, fund, and deliver infrastructure and transportation projects. Aligning One Cumberland with the Cumberland CID will allow for greater flexibility for community involvement and funding opportunities. One Cumberland will have the ability to accept donations from public and private foundations, private companies, and individuals as well as conduct capital campaigns for projects that enhance the Cumberland community.

“I envision One Cumberland will build and strengthen the bonds between people and neighborhoods in our community,” said Board Member Jon Ingram. “This can be done through numerous ways, whether it’s bringing together local artists for a public art project, hosting networking events, activating our many trails, or working together to preserve our natural resources, One Cumberland will enrich our lives and community spirit.”

Governed by a 9-member board of some the Cumberland District’s top private sector leaders, their mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Cumberland. Below is a list of the One Cumberland Board Members.

• Rob Garcia, Board Chair
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regional President

• Melissa Cantrell, Vice Chair
CDH Partners, President and CEO

• Barry Teague, Treasurer
Walton Communities, Executive Chairman

• Secret Holland
Gas South, LLC, VP of Human Resources and Community Affairs

• Jon Ingram
Woodruff Arts Center, Director of Corporate Relations

• Chad Koenig
Cushman Wakefield, Managing Director

• Chris McCoy
Brookfield Properties, General Manager

• Michele Swann
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall, General Manager and CEO

• Holly Quinlan
Cobb Travel and Tourism, President & CEO

(One Cumberland Board Members, pictured from left to right: Chad Koenig, Secret Holland, Jon Ingram, Melissa Cantrell, Rob Garcia, Barry Teague, Chris McCoy, Michele Swann, and Holly Quinlan)

About Cumberland CID

Cumberland CID Launches Non-Profit – One Cumberland Read More »