Town Center Community Looks Ahead to Next 30 Years at Fifth Annual State of the District

Annual event draws record attendance, recognizes Townie Award recipients and introduces 30-Year Master Plan

Town Center Community today held its fifth annual State of the District at the Governors Gun Club in Town Center. The event drew a record number of community leaders and key stakeholders for a forward-looking conversation about the growth, vitality and continued evolution of one of Cobb County’s key economic and lifestyle corridors. 

Hosted by the Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) and its nonprofit partner, the Town Center Community Alliance, this year’s event recognized the district’s progress, honored the recipients of the 2026 Townie Awards and offered an exclusive first look at the CID’s 30-Year Master Plan.

“Town Center’s 30-Year Master Plan establishes a framework for continued smart growth across the district which builds on the investments and partnerships that have shaped the community over the past three decades,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center Community. “Our goal is to ensure Town Center remains a vibrant regional destination and continues to meet the evolving needs of the businesses, residents and visitors who contribute to its success.”

The plan will explore opportunities to improve transportation connections, expand parks and public spaces, strengthen destinations and support economic vitality and quality of life. Together, these priorities will help shape a more connected district and guide decisions about future projects and investments over the next 30 years.

Community input is an essential part of the planning process. Business and property owners, residents, students, employees, visitors and commuters are encouraged to share their ideas for Town Center’s future by completing the 30-Year Master Plan survey.

Highlights of this year’s program included a panel discussion on long-range planning, moderated by Eric Bosman of Kimley-Horn, featuring nationally recognized urban design leaders Erik Aulestia, of Torti Gallas + Partners, and Jon Stover, of Jon Stover & Associates. The program also featured a community update from Tracy Styf covering major district accomplishments, including the April 2026 opening of the South Barrett Reliever, a $62 million road realignment project designed to reduce congestion by 22% along Barrett Parkway. 

2026 Townie Award Honorees

The awards program honored local leaders for their lasting contributions to Town Center, including:

Community Champion – U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk was honored for his longstanding public service and support for infrastructure and connectivity projects in Town Center, including improvements to George Busbee Parkway and Big Shanty Road, the Noonday Creek Trail and pedestrian connectivity throughout the district.

Commercial Champion – Ralph Stephens, longtime operator of Chick-fil-A on Barrett Parkway, was recognized for 45 years of leadership and his longstanding commitment to employees, guests and the broader Town Center community.

As Town Center Community prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, this year’s event also launched a year-long campaign highlighting the people, partnerships and investments that have shaped the district and helped guide its development. 

“Town Center’s progress reflects decades of collaboration among local leaders, businesses and community partners,” said Michael Davis, vice chair of the CID board of directors. “Our 30th Anniversary campaign is an opportunity to recognize those contributions, celebrate the milestones that have brought us here and share the stories behind the district’s evolution.”

Proceeds from the State of the District will benefit the Town Center Community Alliance, which is celebrating 10 years of creating parks, trails, greenspace, placemaking enhancements and community programming throughout Town Center.

The Alliance is currently raising funds to transform Lanie Park, an underutilized remnant parcel at the Barrett Lakes Boulevard roundabout, into a one-acre community park. Planned features include sidewalks, open greenspace, a hardscape gathering plaza, shaded seating with stone seat walls and native landscaping.

This year’s Presenting Sponsors include Kennesaw State University and Croy Engineering.