Kathi Cook on Alpharetta Growth and Community Development

Kathi Cook, City of Alpharetta, on Alpharetta’s Growth, Redevelopment, North Point, and Future Community Development (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)

How does a fast-growing city preserve what people value while continuing to evolve?

In this episode of North Fulton Voices, Kathi Cook, Director of Community Development for the City of Alpharetta, joins Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn of the North Fulton Improvement Network for a wide-ranging conversation on how Alpharetta approaches growth, redevelopment, and long-term planning. Drawing on more than three decades of experience with the city, Cook reflects on Alpharetta growth and its transformation into a more connected, walkable community, why mixed-use development has mattered so much, and how projects like Avalon reshaped expectations for quality development.

The discussion also explores Alpharetta’s current comprehensive plan update, what residents are saying about connectivity, tree canopy, green space, and workforce housing, and how public engagement helps shape decisions that will affect the city for decades. Cook also offers a detailed look at North Point redevelopment, including the vision for a sports and entertainment district, green space integration, housing, and transportation connections. This is an important conversation for anyone interested in how North Fulton communities can grow thoughtfully without losing their character.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • How Alpharetta growth created a more walkable, connected community

  • Why Avalon became a turning point in Alpharetta’s development model

  • What residents are saying in the comprehensive plan process about traffic, green space, tree canopy, and housing

  • Why redevelopment now matters more than greenfield development in Alpharetta

  • What Kathi Cook says about ADUs, housing types, and local flexibility

  • The long-range vision for North Point, including a possible sports and entertainment district

  • Why public engagement in planning matters more than most residents realize

Nancy DiamondComment