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City Currents articles are
prepared by the city of
Dunwoody and published I II 1
each month by the Dunwoody 1 I W V4 V
Reporter as a community * Smart people - Smart city#
service. They are intended
to offer insight into the workings of Dunwoody city government. This
installment focuses on the city's Economic Development Department.
The life cycle of a city project
The city of Dunwoody undertakes
many projects each year, from highly com
plex infrastructure projects to building
playgrounds and retiming traffic signals.
Oftentimes, residents ask how projects are
chosen, what the project process entails
and how project timing is determined.
A straightforward way to explain the
life cycle of a city project would be to com
pare it to an average home renovation or
addition project.
For example, a homeowner might want
to improve the appeal and functionality of
their home through the addition of a new
deck. It could provide a new area for so
cial gatherings, quiet escape and a space
for outdoor relaxation.
With the family in agreement on the
goals and objectives of the project, the
general planning process begins. Each
family member weighs in on what the per
fect deck will include and how it will look.
However, the reality of a new deck
weighed against the wants, needs and bud
get may alter the final outcome. To meet
everyone’s expectations, the family re
searches contractors, attains cost estimates,
selects a contractor and deck design, agrees
on materials, sets a schedule, obtains per
mits, and undertakes construction.
And with a little luck,
and no change to the con
struction schedule, great
weather and appropriate
code compliance inspec
tions, the new deck is built
and comes in right on bud
get.
Now let’s compare that process to what
the city would need to go about building a
new city park. We’ll first assume the need
and idea for the new park was identified
through a community-driven master plan
ning process.
Once the need for the project has been
identified, the City Council appropriates
initial funding for projects through the
city’s annual budget process which typ
ically occurs in September and October
of each year. During budget discussions,
the project is vetted against other priorities
and budgets. Larger capital projects are ofi
ten funded in phases over multiple years,
which means the project is reviewed and
discussed in multiple budget cycles.
After funding a project, the city then
seeks proposals for the design of the new
park along with associated planning costs.
Proposal requests typically explain the vi
sion for the new park including its loca
tion, potential amenities, special features,
and other aspects identified by the com
munity-based plan.
Once design proposals come in, city
staff reviews each, and a consultant is se
lected. The consultant then goes to the
drawing board to create a few conceptu
al designs for the city to review. These can
include storyboards, artist renderings or
computer drawings.
Michael Smith
Public Works Director
After staff has poured over the ideas,
presentations and renderings, the city
hosts public meetings to solicit citizen
feedback on the conceptual design.
Public input and guidance from City
Council are sent back to the consultant to
complete a final design. During this time,
city staff works with the contractor to flesh
out the details of the design, including sur
veying the property and gathering infor
mation about the area where the new park
will be placed. There may arise a need for
soil samples, hydrology and stormwater
studies, realignment of sewer pipes, etc.
Upon completion of
the final design, the con
struction plans are sub
mitted for permitting
through appropriate
agencies. Depending on
the park project complex
ity and timing, as well as
the proper approvals and permitting from
the county and various state agencies, it
could be several months to more than a
year before park construction can begin.
Following final review and approvals, city
staff will then advertise a bid for the con
struction of the new park.
After receiving competitive bids, the fi
nal approval of the project by the coun
cil occurs when they vote to award a con
struction contract.
As detailed through this comparison to
homeowner additions, municipal projects
can appear daunting and complex. In ad
dition, large projects undertaken by the
city are multi-year in total lifespan, and
typically involve a minimum of four (of
ten more) opportunities to discuss or ex
amine the project with citizens in a public
meeting. The public process needs to be
transparent so at each step along the way
citizens can engage with council members
and involve themselves to help guide the
project to best meet the needs and desires
of the community.
Residents are urged to learn more
about various city projects and programs
by attending the twice-monthly City
Council meetings and specific project in
formation meetings. To find out more vis
it www.dunwoodyga.gov or give us a call
at 678-382-6700.
City
Currents
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