WATCH: "Water is Life" Mural Video

In September 2024, Georgia artist Elaine Stephenson began work on her “Water is Life” mural on the Oconee Rivers Greenway under the North Oconee Access Road bridge. 

Stephenson’s design was chosen among 38 submissions in a blind selection by a community panel.  The public art was funded as part of SPLOST 2011 Project 9 – Oconee Rivers Greenway Network Connectors.  “Water is Life” is designed to be an immersive underpass mural featuring images of water and wildlife.

Watch the brief video on YouTube.

Public Input: West Broad / Hawthorne Area Tax Allocation District (TAD)

The ACCGov Economic Development Department and the West Broad / Hawthorne Area Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will host open house sessions and an online survey during January and February for residents to provide input on items they would like to see constructed within the TAD boundaries. 

The open house sessions will take place on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, February 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Runway Cowork in the Beechwood Shopping Center
• Thursday, February 6 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Howard Park Meeting Room A

An online survey is also available at accgov.com/tads through February 23. The site also provides more information about TADs and maps of the defined TAD areas around Athens-Clarke County.

ACCGov to You pop-up van is "gov on the go"

The ACCGov to You pop-up meeting van allows the ACCGov Communications Department and other ACCGov employees to bring information about ACCGov, individual departments, or specific programs to a wider audience. 

Equipped with tabling materials and resources, the van provides a unique opportunity for mobile outreach and community engagement. The goal of using the van is to meet people where they are such as in their own neighborhoods or out at community events and gatherings. 

If you are interested in having the van at your next event, email cecile.riker@accgov.com. 

Transit Route 27 moves to 30 min. frequency

Good news for east side Transit riders! 

As of Tuesday, January 21, buses on Transit Route 27 are scheduled to come by stops along the route every 30 minutes. This route connects the east side to downtown via Barnett Shoals Road, Cedar Shoals Drive, and Whit Davis Road. 

Popular destinations include:

• UGA Main Library
• Cedar Shoals High School
• World of Wonder playground
• Walmart

Previously, buses came by approximately every hour. For more information on Route 27 or ACCGov Transit, visit accgov.com/transit.

Brad Griffin appointed Interim Manager

Congratulations to Brad Griffin, who was recently appointed Interim Manager at the Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission's Regular Session voting meeting on January 7, 2025. 

Griffin retired in June 2024 after 24 years as the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department Director. Griffin stepped into the Interim Manager role after the departure of the previous Acting Manager, Niki Jones, on January 17, 2025. 

A national search will begin in early 2025 for a permanent manager who will be recommended to the Mayor and Commission for approval by Mayor Kelly Girtz.

ACCGov Leisure Services spring registration begins Saturday, Feb. 1

It's hard to believe, but spring is right around the corner! The ACCGov Leisure Services Department opens online spring program registration for residents at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 1. Non-residents may register starting Monday, February 3 at noon. 

This year's programs include arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events for both adults and children.

Browse the 2025 Spring Program Guide at www.accgov.com/leisure and register at www.accgov.com/myrec. Information on department scholarships is available at www.accgov.com/scholarship. For more information, call 706-613-3800.

Greenway section at Sandy Creek Nature Center set to reopen Feb. 9

A section of the North Oconee River Greenway, from Sandy Creek Nature Center to the bridge crossing Sandy Creek at the south end of the park, is set to reopen to the public on Sunday, February 9.

This portion of the trail was closed in August 2024 for resurfacing as part of TSPLOST 2023: Project 23: - Greenway Trail Safety Improvements. 

The ACCGov Mixtape is distributed monthly by the Communications Department, accgov.com/comms, 706-613-3795