Kim Menefee, executive director for the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CCID), brings together commercial investors, government officials, and other stakeholders who have an interest in improving the area, primarily through transportation and infrastructure projects. The first of its kind in the state, the CCID has invested $180 million since its founding in 1988, creating $20 billion in economic impact in Cobb County.
Menefee has been at the helm since 2019, overseeing improvement projects such as the Cumberland Sweep, a three-mile path that will connect the district through walking and biking lanes and a self-driving shuttle system; and the New Day Palisades rehabilitation project at Paces Mill, which will build a visitor information center, provide safety updates and better river access, and rethink river runoff. “The Cumberland CID leverages our [commercial property owner taxpayer] funds to build out projects that focus on creating greater access, connectivity, and character within our area,” she says.
One such project is the Akers Mill ramp, which granted 100,000 daily commuters more direct access to Cumberland when it debuted this past spring. Menefee oversaw the teams responsible for landscaping, lighting, and maintenance in the district, the 12th and final access point within the toll system on I-75.
Menefee is also in charge of One Cumberland, the nonprofit arm of the CCID. Created in 2023, it aims to improve quality of life for the district’s 88,000 workers, 31,000 residents, and millions of visitors through safety measures and community events. “I’m proud of the character we’ve created in the district and the improved quality-of-life measures,” she says.
While the instant gratification of seeing the district’s projects come to fruition is satisfying, Menefee is most interested in long-term impact. “Everything we build brings generational improvements. We’re seeing how past benefits have made a difference in this community,” she says. – LAUREN FINNEY HARDEN
