The Progress Report: supporting downtown Atlanta during COVID-19

The COVID-19 public health situation continues to involve and impact Downtown Atlanta residents, offices, small businesses, hotels, cultural institutions, and venues, including those owned and managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA).

At Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (CAP/ADID), our priority is to continue to serve as a resource during this challenging time by advocating for our community members, sharing information when helpful, and assisting with economic recovery when the time comes.

While the way in which Downtown Atlanta supports day-to-day living has radically shifted, our organization is in awe of the resilience of our community members and the creative ways entities like the Authority have remained nimble and repurposed space, staff, and resources for our collective betterment.

In the meantime, this third installment of The Progress Report offers a few ways you can continue to enjoy and support Downtown Atlanta, including the Centennial Park District neighborhood, from afar.

Support Downtown Businesses

While the current shelter in place mandate from the State of Georgia has closed dining rooms, restaurants throughout Downtown remain open for takeout and delivery service. Consider supporting these businesses, some of whom also have merchandise and gift cards for purchase and staff relief funds established online.

Additionally, many Downtown hotels remain open and ready to serve guests, including healthcare workers, essential workers, and those conducting essential travel.

Experience Downtown Destinations

Recognizing the need to avoid large gatherings and promote social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak, many attractions in Centennial Park District—including Georgia Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights—are offering creative virtual experiences and at-home learning activities. Read more about them here.

Visit Parks and Greenspaces

While playgrounds, athletic facilities, and programming are closed/suspended, Atlanta parks and trails remain open for use – including iconic Downtown parks like the GWCCA’s Centennial Olympic Park and also Woodruff Park.

When visiting parks, please practice appropriate social distancing. See the full map of Downtown parks here.

Give Back to Critical Organizations

In the meantime, we must look out for each other, especially those who are most vulnerable. CAP/ADID is maintaining a regularly-updated list of organizations that are in need of your donations, your time, and your financial support. The list includes social service providers, community food banks, and healthcare systems.

See the Signs of Hope

Buildings throughout our community have found creative ways to display messages of support, solidarity, and optimism for all of us to enjoy from a distance, from illuminated window displays to local art featured on Arts & Entertainment Atlanta digital signs. View the activations here.

As the mantra goes: we’re all in this together.

The Progress Report is an unConventional quarterly series that explores the relationship between Central Atlanta Progress/Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.