Best Workplaces for Commuters District

he old rule used to be "Location, location, location;" now, for employers, vendors, and commuters in the Perimeter business district, its "Access, access, access." Getting to and around in the Perimeter has become much easier in recent years as alternatives to driving alone have been developed, incented, and enhanced. In the Spring of 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized the leadership and effectiveness of the Perimeter business community on addressing traffic and air quality concerns by awarding a Best Workplaces for Commuters District (BWC) certification. This business leadership has been channeled into two complementary organizations, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, and the Perimeter Transportation Coalition. The EPA hopes that this program will eventually be as recognizable as its Energy Star label is for energy efficient machinery and appliances- and provide the same sort of marketing power and influence. The BWC program publicly recognizes employers and business districts whose commuter benefits and new alternative infrastructure reach a National Standard of Excellence. Providing commuter benefits helps employers address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting. Participating entities earn the designation Best Workplaces for CommutersSM - a mark of excellence for environmentally and employee-friendly organizations.

While the BWC district award may seem incongruous with the district's dated reputation for traffic congestion, the EPA is recognizing the tremendous opportunities that people have in the Perimeter to get around without their cars. Specifically, the Perimeter is gaining a regional reputation for its investment in sidewalks and new intersections, its extensive private shuttle system, alternative-friendly road upgrades, Livable Centers investments, and the tremendous commuter benefits offered through the Perimeter Transportation Coalition and its many employers. (See elsewhere in this insert for details on these investments) Perhaps most significantly, the Perimeter market can boast the second highest investment in rapid rail infrastructure, with four MARTA stations (more than anywhere else in metro Atlanta except downtown).

The BWC District designation makes official what employers and business leaders have been working towards for years - the Perimeter is a great place to work, live, shop, and do business.

For more on the Best Workplace for Commuters program, visit www.bwc.gov.