Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP)

The Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) is a regional planning initiative led by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) aimed at supporting local governments, Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), and nonprofits within the metro Atlanta region. CDAP’s core mission is to advance regional equity and resiliency through technical planning support that helps bring local community projects closer to reality. This assistance program is not a traditional grant in the sense of direct monetary funding; instead, it provides in-kind support via ARC staff expertise and planning resources, matching technical professionals with community-driven planning proposals. CDAP supports a wide range of project types that align with ARC’s strategic goals, particularly those addressing issues such as access to healthy food, creative placemaking, the impacts of climate change, historic preservation, housing affordability, and the application of smart technology. Selected projects typically receive staff assistance culminating in a deliverable such as a finalized plan, technical report, engagement process, or similar study. Applicants are strongly encouraged to align their proposals with prior planning efforts, such as comprehensive plans, Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plans, or small-area studies already adopted within their jurisdiction. The program is open to local governments, CIDs, and nonprofit organizations operating within the Atlanta metro area. However, while nonprofits and CIDs are eligible to apply, they must partner with the local government in whose jurisdiction the proposed project resides. A formal letter of support from the partnering local government is a required part of the application package. Notably, nonprofits are not eligible to receive direct financial assistance through CDAP, but they may receive planning support in partnership with local government. Applications are evaluated based on a variety of criteria, including project quality, alignment with ARC’s regional priorities, the extent of community engagement, promotion of equity and resiliency, and geographic distribution across the metro region. A scoring framework is outlined in the CDAP Guidebook to help applicants understand how proposals are assessed. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate strong community support and the capacity to collaborate effectively with ARC staff. The application window for the 2026 CDAP cycle opens on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM and closes at 11:59 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026. Prior to the application window, an Ideas Exchange session will be held on December 3, 2025, to introduce the opportunity and answer preliminary questions. Applications are submitted through ARC's designated platform. Award notifications will be shared in May 2026 following ARC board approval. While CDAP does not offer direct financial grants, the value of the in-kind support provided is significant and designed to advance community-led planning projects that might otherwise lack access to technical expertise. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the most recent CDAP Guidebook and utilize the online Questions and Comments form to initiate conversations about project ideas and alignment.

Applicants should ensure alignment with CDAP’s guiding principles of equity and resiliency and consult the CDAP Manager for project fit.