CIDs are the best example of public-private partnerships that I have experienced. By definition, CIDs are a group of private owners of commercial property who raise their own taxes to fund infrastructure improvements and programs in the public right of way. These projects and programs are executed in partnership with local government…in our case the City of Lilburn.
In addition to this overall relationship with local government, public-private partnerships also serve as the foundation of the projects themselves — and Lilburn CID proudly embraces them at every opportunity. By joining forces with public agencies, local governments in addition to the city and private consultants, we help bring transformative ideas to life while maximizing value for our community.
These partnerships open the door to projects with broader impact, reduced financial burden on individuals, business entities and the public sector, with more inclusive planning that reflects the entire gamut of community voices. They also foster long-term goodwill and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future initiatives.
The Porchline: A Showcase of Strategic Collaboration
One of the strongest examples of public-private partnership in Lilburn is The Porchline development, currently underway on Railroad Avenue and expected to be completed in winter 2026. Named in honor of Lilburn’s active rail line and its neighborly front-porch culture of the past, The Porchline reflects the community spirit and smart planning that public-private collaboration makes possible.
Without this partnership, the City of Lilburn would have faced significant financial and logistical hurdles, including $1.3 million in right-of-way costs for the Railroad Avenue Extension and at least $6.7 million to construct 300 public parking spaces. Additionally, with zoning already in place, the city would have had little input on design or layout.
Thanks to the partnership with RangeWater Real Estate, the city gained influence over the development’s design and secured meaningful public amenities, including a trailhead and public plazas — all fully funded and constructed by the developer, with zero cost to the city’s taxpayers. This is the kind of win-win result that public-private partnerships make possible.
Bryson Park Roundabout: A Joint Effort in Action
Another clear example of effective collaboration is the Bryson Park/Hood Road roundabout project, which broke ground in September 2023 and is now nearing completion. This initiative represents a strong partnership between the state of Georgia, Gwinnett County, the City of Lilburn and Lilburn CID.
The project was jumpstarted with a $1 million grant from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) and further supported by funding from the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation (GCDOT). The city and CID then teamed up with Kimley-Horn to plan the project and finalize costs. Additional funding, roughly $300,000, came through a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG), and the remaining $2 million was secured jointly by the city and CID.
The changes coming to this roundabout will significantly improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. A ribbon-cutting is in the works for this fall!
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Community
Public-private partnerships continue to prove their value — not just through cost savings, but by fostering collaboration, efficiency and community-first thinking. At Lilburn CID, we’re proud to champion these efforts and remain committed to building strong partnerships that drive a shared vision for progress.
As we look to the future, we’ll continue seeking new opportunities to work with like-minded partners and deliver impactful, lasting improvements for the Lilburn community.
– Tad Leithead, Lilburn CID Executive Director