Part of the "SOUL CITY CONNECTORS" initiative
Create a Real Estate Planning Committee within the Augusta University Planning Department to strategically plan growth and relocation of University departments, programs, and key facilities so the Augusta University Health Sciences Campus is better connected to the urban core and central business district. The recommendation focuses on relocating University functions such as fine arts, design, and music programs into Downtown Augusta, occupying vacant and underused properties, increasing student/faculty/staff presence downtown, and building a stronger “Gown Town” relationship between Augusta University and the urban core.
Tracks sales tax generated as a success indicator.
Tracks providing tenants for vacant and underused properties.
Tracks better connection between Augusta University Health Sciences Campus and the urban core / central business district.
Tracks facilitated financing and program options listed for the recommendation.
Tracks relocation of fine arts, design, and music programs into the central business district.
Tracks relocation of Augusta University offices and departments into the urban core.
Tracks increases in rental rates connected to increased demand.
Tracks foot traffic in urban core businesses as a long-term success metric.
Tracks increases in property values connected to increased demand.
Tracks increased potential patrons for local businesses downtown.
Tracks hotel-related success measurement connected to downtown growth.
Tracks possible organizational models for the champion function.
Tracks designation of a community engagement champion.
Tracks community members donating time for planning, insight, and guidance.
Tracks review and selection of potential sites or buildings for proposed department/division relocation.
Tracks developing connectivity between Augusta University campuses and the urban core as a catalyst for growth.
Tracks low-interest loans and forgivable loans as financial tools for implementation.
Tracks phasing JAG Express costs into existing city or University transit system budgets.
Tracks the Real Estate Committee being housed within Augusta University Planning Department.
Tracks increase in City of Augusta tax base through rising property values.
Tracks community support and buy-in secured by the designated champion.
Tracks central location of students, faculty, and staff in the heart of the city.
Tracks increased number of routes and options serving the downtown area.
Tracks facade grants through the City of Augusta Housing & Economic Development Department.
Tracks Augusta University’s ability to grow through urban core relocation and real estate planning.
Tracks coalition participation across University, government, developers, investors, residents, students, visionaries, and other stakeholders.
Tracks retail sales in urban core businesses as a long-term success metric.
Tracks various forms of multimodal transit to increase connectivity.
Tracks potential JAG Express circulator line between Augusta University campuses and the urban core.
Tracks increased foot traffic in the downtown area.
Tracks infrastructure grant programs through the Department of Community Affairs.
Tracks named potential funding, resources, and partnership sources.
Tracks use of existing University Administration overhead and in-kind time for committee formation.
Tracks public-private partnership models for transit investment solutions.
Tracks transit connection to the Health Sciences Campus and Summerville Campus.
Tracks potential advocate groups for the designated champion role.
Tracks collaboration with the Downtown Loop project from Big Idea #2.
Tracks representation from public and private sectors on the committee.
Tracks grant, loan, and EV bus options from Georgia DOT / US DOT and U.S. Department of Energy.
Tracks troubleshooting of issues as more students and faculty are present downtown.
Tracks attraction of citizens and visitors to the urban core.
Tracks connection of downtown University functions to other campus locations through revolving transit.
Tracks initial discussions about which departments, facilities, and programs could move or locate downtown.
Tracks occupation of vacant and underused properties through university relocation and real estate planning.
Tracks decrease in underutilized properties in the urban core.
Tracks formation of the Augusta University Real Estate Committee.
Tracks a fully integrated transit system between all campuses and the urban core.
Tracks overall increase in downtown aesthetics.
Tracks creation of a vibrant and walkable environment in the urban core.
Short- and medium-term committee/champion costs are marginal and primarily in-kind through University Administration overhead, community member time, and organizational support. The champion function could be housed in an existing organization or a new not-for-profit entity. A “JAG Express” circulator line between Augusta University campuses and the urban core could be phased into existing city or University transit budgets. Long-term transit costs depend on the chosen multimodal solution and route structure.