# 11-10-2026 Mayor & Commission Work Session


**Body:** Athens-Clarke County (accgov)
**Date:** November 09, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation, Physical Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance


Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission work session, November 10, 2026: Accenture and its Arena District facilitator team presented a concept for five development sites totaling about 8.8 acres around Akins Ford Arena. The concept combines entertainment and public space, parking, hospitality/commercial uses, and residential development, with market conditions to guide uses and phasing. The stated objective is to generate revenue for arena bond payments; officials cited an estimated annual funding gap of about $600,000 beginning in 2028–29. Options discussed included ground leases for ongoing revenue and fee-simple sales for earlier cash, including the previously agreed sale of the Kelly Diversified site. A master-plan concept is expected to return to the Commission for consideration in December; staff described soliciting developers for individual sites, with development agreements requiring Commission approval. No contract award or vote occurred during the presentation.

Transit staff presented an analysis of potentially reinstating fares, including estimated farebox procurement and startup costs of about $1.8 million and recurring collection costs estimated at roughly $311,000 annually. The analysis found that fares could reduce ridership and federal STIC funding, potentially outweighing fare revenue; no fare or equipment-purchase decision was made. Commissioners discussed seeking legislative or legal options related to HB 328, possible funding alternatives, fare caps or exemptions, and whether to procure equipment before final fare policies are set. Staff will continue analysis, including equity, operational, and procurement considerations, and return for further discussion, expected in early 2027.

**Source:** Athens-Clarke County (accgov)