Reporting on the Community Engagement Phase & Planning Kicks-Off

During the Spring 2026 Community Engagement Phase, residents and local stakeholders identified top challenges, future visioning, and ways to integrate these priorities into existing city planning processes, goals, and programs. This community feedback will directly inform Plan recommendations. 

The Community Engagement phase included:

  • Community survey with 205 responses

  • 5 focus groups including open community groups and targeted groups of farmers & food pantry volunteers

  • 10+ partner interviews and conversations

  • Tabling at 2 public city events with 100+ attendees

The following emerging themes were identified based on community feedback and prior planning processes conducted in other cities. 

  • Invest in Local Food Access Programming & Infrastructure 

  • Expand Homegrower Education & Community Garden Programming

  • Increase Support & Coordination Among Farmers

  • Streamline Policies through Coordination, Governance & Partnership

  • Preserve Rural Identity & Promote Sustainable Growth

  • Promote Intergenerational Engagement, Youth & Community Connectedness

Check out the Community Engagement Overview to learn more about the emerging themes and key findings or read the full report below for a more in-depth analysis.

The planning process kicked off in May 2026! The Plan will be developed by a Steering Committee with city and community representatives from both cities, Food Well Alliance, and the Atlanta Regional Commission. Community members will have an opportunity to react to priorities and recommendations once they take shape in the fall.

Read full engagement report

Photo curtesy of the City of Chattahoochee Hills.

Chattahoochee Hills & Palmetto Selected for the Region’s Next Local Food System Plan!

Food Well Alliance and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) are excited to announce that we have jointly selected the cities of Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto as the 2026 Local Food System Plan awardees. This metrowide initiative, formerly known as the City Agriculture Plan, is led in partnership with the ARC. For years, both Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto have been working to strengthen local food production and access. That ongoing dedication, along with their proximity and potential for leveraging existing resources, sparked a unique opportunity to launch a joint planning venture.

Over the next year, Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto will co-create a strategic plan for strengthening the local food system by engaging residents, growers, community organizations, and city staff to identify priorities and identify practical next steps. The cities will receive a $100,000 implementation grant package including a $75,000 cash grant plus $25,000 of in-kind support to launch community-driven projects that support local growers and expand access to healthy, locally grown food.