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(CUMBERLAND) – November 21, 2025 – The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) and Cobb County, Georgia, will be a recipient of a $6.6 million grant through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No) to launch a new autonomous shuttle network – the Cumberland Autonomous Mobility (CAM) Network – a breakthrough initiative that will connect people, jobs, and destinations across Metro Atlanta’s Cumberland district. This award distinguishes Cumberland as the first and only autonomous vehicle project in the country to receive the Low-No grant award.

The CAM Network will leverage American technology to deploy a fleet of eight ADA-accessible autonomous shuttles, establishing a connected public transit system that will enhance first- and last-mile access, improve quality of life, and redefine mobility within one of the Southeast’s most dynamic business and entertainment communities. The project positions Georgia as a leader in integrating autonomous transit technology into a regional transportation system. The CAM Network will be part of the CobbLinc public transit system operated by Cobb County and is expected to launch in 2027.

“This investment announced today from the Federal Transit Administration marks one of the greatest chapters in our history, making a major component of the Cumberland Sweep a reality,” said Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID. “Soon, people will have a new, innovative way to move around the community using some of the most advanced mobility technology in the world. I am proud of how the Cumberland CID and our partners continue to innovate, leading the way for shared autonomous mobility.”

“Today’s announcement represents the power of strong partnerships,” said Russell R. McMurry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation. “By working together at the local, state, and federal levels, we’re advancing a project that supports Georgia’s broader vision for a safer, more connected, and more innovative mobility network. The Cumberland initiative shows how new technologies can enhance mobility and improve the daily travel experience for communities across our state.”

The CAM Network will connect major destinations in Cumberland including Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta – home of the Atlanta Braves – as well as the Cobb Convention Center – Atlanta, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Cumberland Mall, and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, creating seamless first- and last-mile links between the district’s workplaces, residential centers, and cultural attractions.

The Cumberland CID and Cobb County will partner with Beep, Inc., a U.S.-based autonomous mobility solutions company, to operate the network and integrate it with CobbLinc, the county’s existing public transit system. As the technology and operations partner, Beep brings significant experience and capabilities to support the safe and successful launch of this service.

Beep has proven experience in deploying shared autonomous mobility solutions across the country, including in the Cumberland district. Beep’s fully integrated solutions prioritize safety, efficiency, and flexibility. Beep’s AI-enabled AutonomOS™ platform is designed to optimize autonomous mobility services with “human-in-the-loop” oversight of autonomous mobility networks, which is essential to ensure safe, reliable operations and to optimize a high-quality passenger experience. The technology offers:

• A unified view of service performance, fleet health, and on-road operations
• In-cabin monitoring enabling rapid response by remote supervisors in the event of a passenger safety or roadway issue
• Real-time orchestration to maximize service efficiency through the optimization engine.

“We are honored to partner with Cobb County, the Cumberland CID, and GDOT to deploy this groundbreaking program,” said Kevin Reid, CEO and chairman of Beep, Inc. “The CAM Network represents the next evolution of mobility: safe, connected, and scalable. Together, we’re demonstrating how autonomous transportation can seamlessly enhance the way people live, work, and move throughout their communities.”

The Cumberland Autonomous Mobility Network is part of a long-term vision dubbed the Cumberland Sweep – a 3-mile plus multimodal path designed to improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders through the district. By linking major commercial, residential, and recreational areas, the Sweep and the new shuttle service will reduce congestion and create safer, more accessible streets for all users.

The project builds on the success of the Cumberland Hopper, an autonomous shuttle pilot launched in 2023 that provided valuable data and community engagement around autonomous transit. With the addition of this new federal investment, Cumberland and Cobb County will now scale that success into a fully integrated, operational autonomous mobility network – one of the most comprehensive in the Southeast.

“I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for Cobb County so they can continue to be on the cutting edge of transportation innovation,” said U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. “Georgia voters are the reason we were able to pass legislation that made this funding possible, and this federal investment reflects my commitment to improving Georgians’ connection to their communities.”

“I am thrilled that Cumberland CID and Cobb County were successful in winning this Federal Transit Administration grant through our bipartisan infrastructure law,” said U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-GA. “I thank Cobb Chairwoman Cupid, GDOT Commissioner McMurry, Cumberland CID Executive Director Menefee, and local business and community leaders for their help delivering this victory for Cobb.”

“Completing the Cumberland Sweep will be a major success, providing safe and reliable transportation while reinvigorating American industry with shuttles made in the U.S.,” said U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-GA11. “Relieving the ever-growing congestion in this area is a worthy goal, as we must continue improving safety and quality of life for Georgians and all who visit to shop, work, or play here.”

“This grant award is a win for the Cumberland Community Improvement District and for all who live, work, and play in this part of Georgia’s Sixth District,” said U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, D-GA6. “Funding awards like this are a reaffirmation that our region remains on the cutting edge of innovative transit solutions and collaborative partnerships that connect people with the places they love. I was proud to lend my support to this grant application and advocate for its approval to the Department of Transportation, because I recognize the importance of federal investments in local projects. Congratulations to the Cumberland CID and One Cumberland!”

“Cumberland CID and Cobb County continue to lead the way in strengthening safety and economic growth in our region,” said U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA7).” This $6.6 million federal investment in the SWEEP project is a major win for residents and businesses, and I’m proud my office could support the effort. These are the kinds of projects that deliver real results, reducing congestion, improving infrastructure, and keeping our communities moving forward.”

Since its formation in 1988 as Georgia’s first Community Improvement District, the Cumberland CID has invested more than $180 million in infrastructure and transportation improvements. The district now supports more than 88,000 jobs, 3,700 businesses, and 10 million annual visitors, serving as a national model for how business and government partnerships can drive sustainable growth.

(CUMBERLAND) – The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), in partnership with Cobb County and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), officially opened the final mile of the Bob Callan Trail during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Thursday.

The ceremony marked the completion of the final phase of the Bob Callan Trail, which has been built in three segments dating back to 2005. The final $7.4 million phase delivers a new trailhead at Windy Hill Road and a critical .3-mile extension that creates a fully connected 4-mile multi-use trail from Terrell Mill Road to the Chattahoochee River at Paces Mill.

“The Bob Callan Trail represents a capstone to the Cumberland CID’s multiyear efforts to build a fully integrated trail network within the Cumberland district. It is a powerful testament to visionary leadership of the Board that began in the ‘90s, through strategic planning, vital partnerships, and sheer perseverance,” said Bob Voyles, chair of the Cumberland CID Board of Directors. “This incredible asset caps a more than 25-year project and is more than just a trail; it’s the Cumberland Community’s trailhead to a national park and the Chattahoochee River.”

Speakers for Tuesday’s ribbon cutting included Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID and its non-profit, One Cumberland; Bob Voyles, chair of the Cumberland CID Board of Directors; Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid; Cobb Commissioners Erick Allen and JoAnn Birrell, and Drew Raessler, director of Cobb County Department of Transportation. 

The final phase includes a trailhead, located at the intersection of Windy Hill and Bentley Road, featuring accessible parking, shaded seating, fitness amenities, bike repair stations, wayfinding signage, and landscaped green space. All assets are designed to serve a broad range of trail users. The extension also improves access to the 840-acre Chattahoochee National Recreation Area and further enhances the region’s growing network of connected trails.

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid praised the project for aligning with the County’s Greenways & Trails Master Plan. “This trail reflects Cobb County’s vision of building connected, resilient communities,” said Chairwoman Cupid. “We are proud to invest in infrastructure that supports recreation, wellness, and alternative transportation.”

The trails project was made possible through funding support from the Cumberland CID, Cobb County, and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and reflects regional efforts to expand the trail network, promote multimodal connectivity, and quality of life.

The trail is named in honor of Bob Callan, a long-serving trail advocate and engineer with the Federal Highway Administration, whose work helped catalyze the project to fruition.

About the 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 $26.6 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.

The Cobb Chamber and Cumberland CID have selected Connie Engel as its 2025 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year Awards are given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model. These outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live. Awards are given based on local area nominations. The 2025 Cumberland Citizen of the Year award was presented at the 2025 Cumberland Community Meeting on February 12.

2025 Cumberland Citizen of the Year

About Connie Engel

Connie Engel, CEO of Strada Communities, served on the Cumberland CID Board of Directors from 2000 to 2023. 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 Windy Hill Widening and Diverging Diamond Interchange, U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway) Widening, New Day Palisades, the Akers Mill and Bob Callan Trails, and more. Most notably, Engel was instrumental in advocating for the Akers Mill Access Ramp for popular I-75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes from Akers Mill Road over Interstate 75. The Ramp opened in January this year.

Engel has in charge of the development and leasing of the Atlanta Galleria Office Park for more than 20 years. She has served on the Board of Trustees of Kennesaw State University Foundation as Chairwoman and trustee, and on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta chapter of National Association of Corporate Directors. Her impressive experience has made her well-versed in the ins and outs of the business.

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.

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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.

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

Or

Adam Ross

Director of Public & Government Affairs

aross@cumberlandcid.org

(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

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.