After two years of dedicated work, the City of Avondale Estates earned bronze certification in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Green Communities Program. Among the 24 local governments in the greater metro Atlanta region certified under ARC’s Green Communities Program, Avondale Estates stands out as the smallest city to achieve this designation, proving that size proved no barrier for it to become a sustainability leader.

ARC’s Green Communities Program is a voluntary certification that recognizes local governments that lead by implementing policies and practices that deliver measurable, high-impact actions that reduce environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability. 

In 2023, the Board of Mayor and Commissioners (BOMC) voted to pursue certification.

With eighty measures across ten categories, certification requires significant, ongoing commitment. Communities can pursue bronze, silver, gold and platinum certifications, with each level typically taking multiple years to achieve.

Crystal Jackson, ARC Planning Manager of Climate and Sustainability, presented the award to the City at the BOMC regular meeting on January 28. “It’s not an easy program to get certified in,” stated Jackson. “It’s a long process, and you have a small and mighty staff to do it with. We recognize that. Avondale Estates has been doing a lot of great work.”

All communities earned certification points for sustainable measures implemented. Avondale went well beyond the 175 points required for bronze certification, receiving 215 points. 

Some measures that earned Avondale Estates recognition include:  

• Requiring new developments to meet a variety of environmental resiliency requirements, 
• Providing a year-round weekly farmers market at its Town Green Market Pavilion that focuses on local agriculture and businesses, 
• Offering several opportunities for recycling and reuse, including a community workshop that turned outdated vinyl city banners into reusable tote bags, 
• Reducing waste sent to the landfill through a free and convenient curbside compost pilot program, keeping over 14,000 pounds of methane from entering the atmosphere, and providing finished compost to community gardens, and 
• Building rain gardens in the North Woods adjacent to Lake Avondale, which turned a public hazard into an ADA-accessible nature trail and a sedimentation control area furnished with native vegetation. 

Mayor Jonathan Elmore thanked the ARC for the award, “It does mean a lot to us. I’d like to think we’re holistically building a more sustainable community in every way.  The more that we can do locally, especially in the large metro areas like this, I think that is great.”

ARC developed the Green Communities Program in 2009 to recognize local governments that invest in programs and policies that lead to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the many ways that local governments can reduce their environmental footprint.   

"For jurisdictions to voluntarily submit to certify as Green Communities by lightening their environmental footprint is a testament to their commitment to fostering greener, healthier, and more livable communities," said Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director and CEO. 

"Congratulations to all those receiving certifications and increasing the quality of life for their community." 

More information about ARC’s Green Communities certification program is available at atlantaregional.org/greencommunities.