The Council for Quality Growth has named Lilburn Community Improvement District Chairman Jim Vaught and Downtown Atlanta, Inc. President A.J. Robinson as recipients of its 2026 Community Improvement District awards.
Vaught and Robinson will be honored at the council’s 17th Annual CID Recognition Event in November, recognizing their leadership and work on infrastructure, mobility, public safety and other improvements in their respective communities. The Council for Quality Growth said additional details, including the November event date, will be announced later.
The annual awards recognize leaders involved in Georgia’s community improvement districts, which use assessments on commercial properties to help fund transportation, infrastructure and other projects within defined areas. This year’s event will be presented by Georgia Power, Lilburn CID and POND.
Vaught will receive the 2026 John Williams CID Leadership Award for his work as chairman of the Lilburn CID. The Council for Quality Growth credited Vaught with years of leadership focused on infrastructure, mobility and quality-of-life improvements in the Lilburn community.
Robinson will receive the 2026 CID Professional Excellence Award as he prepares to retire later this year after 23 years leading efforts focused on Downtown Atlanta. Robinson is president of Downtown Atlanta, Inc., the recently combined brand of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Central Atlanta Progress.
During his tenure, Robinson helped guide the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District’s investments in public safety, infrastructure, mobility, beautification and placemaking, according to the council. Those efforts have been aimed at making downtown safer, cleaner and better connected while encouraging activity and investment in the area.
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