Piedmont Park

Atlanta, GA

Strategic Planning, Management, Revenues, Governance

Client

Piedmont Park Conservancy

Description

Agora Partners advises the Piedmont Park Conservancy on a variety of opportunities related to its ongoing stewardship of Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s “central park,” originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. 

In 2021, Agora was engaged by the Conservancy to lead organizational planning as it evolved its partnership with the City of Atlanta. The resulting organization and business plan focused on strengthening the public-private partnership to help realize the shared vision for Piedmont Park. It also included a comprehensive strategy to align with the City on shared priorities around diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring these values are embedded in future planning and programming. The plan outlines a strategy to double top-line revenue, introduce new capital improvements, and create new public programming. Revenue growth is driven by park-appropriate venue development, sponsorships, food and beverage offerings, and other site-specific activations that enhance the overall park experience.

Agora has assisted the Conservancy in renewing its agreements with the City of Atlanta, and worked to advance efforts related to real estate value capture.  Following the Conservancy's adoption of a new master plan for Piedmont Park, Agora is analyzing funding sources and financing mechanisms to implement capital improvements from the new master plan and also address deferred maintenance in the park.

Agora Partners' work with the Piedmont Park Conservancy exemplifies innovative thinking for public-private partnerships, demonstrating how strategic activation can create value while advancing shared public goals around accessibility, equity, and community benefit. The engagement represents a comprehensive approach balancing entrepreneurial revenue generation with mission-driven public service.