Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) Framework for Georgia
Building enforceable protections, accountability, and investment for communities impacted by development.
Georgia is growing quickly — from energy infrastructure and data centers to industrial development and large-scale land use projects. But growth should not come at the expense of community health, household wealth, land ownership, or local decision-making power.
Georgia WAND Education Fund is developing a Statewide and Regional Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) Framework to help communities across Georgia secure legally enforceable protections, investments, and accountability when major development projects are proposed.
Why Georgia Needs This Framework
Across Georgia, frontline, rural, Black, low-wealth, and historically burdened communities are facing increased pressure from large-scale infrastructure and development projects. Without enforceable community protections, these projects can contribute to:
Higher utility and energy costs
Increased pollution and public health risks
Displacement, gentrification, and land-use conflicts
Limited access to local jobs and economic benefits
Loss of community voice in decisions that affect health, land, and wealth
Georgia WAND’s CBA Framework helps communities move from reaction to readiness.
What is a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)?
A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding contract between a developer and a coalition of community groups that outlines specific benefits a project must deliver in exchange for community support. CBAs ensure that large-scale developments—such as energy infrastructure, data centers, and industrial projects—provide real, enforceable benefits to the communities they impact.
CBAs help communities identify potential impacts before construction begins and negotiate clear commitments that can be monitored and enforced over time.
Georgia WAND’s Statewide & Regional CBA Framework
Georgia WAND’s CBA Framework will provide guidance on:
Community coalition building
Local hiring and workforce development
Community investment funds
Environmental and public health protections
Energy affordability and efficiency resources
Infrastructure improvements
Transparency and public reporting
Enforcement and accountability provisions
Rural community organizing
Heir property and generational land protection
Policy, permitting, and legislative pathways
What the CBA Framework Covers
This framework is designed to be:
Community-centered
Grounded in lived experience and local priorities
Legally enforceable
Clear commitments, compliance standards, and accountability
Adaptable
For rural, suburban, and urban communities
Policy-ready
Aligned with legislation, permitting, and regulatory processes
Georgia Communities Deserve
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A Seat at the Table
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Join the Movement
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Georgia Communities Deserve · A Seat at the Table · Join the Movement ·
Our Process
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Plan with Purpose
Together, we outline a path forward that’s realistic, strategic, and tailored to your specific needs.
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Collaborate Openly
You’re part of the process. We keep communication open and decisions shared—no black boxes or surprises.
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Adapt as Needed
Every project is different. We stay flexible and responsive to make sure the process fits your flow—not the other way around.
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Deliver with Confidence
When we deliver, it’s not just a finished product—it’s a solution you can trust, backed by real care and effort.
WHAT SETS US APART
Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build. We believe in doing great work, building real relationships, and making it easy for you to get the results you’re looking for.
LET’S GET STARTED