Alpharetta City Council is taking the show on the road for its annual retreat in a two-day meeting in Athens on Sunday and Monday.

The elected officials will meet with department heads at the Hotel Indigo in Athens at 500 College Ave. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, and continues Monday, Jan. 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The City Council and Mayor use the retreat to formulate strategies and set the direction for city government for the year, starting with the budget and working their way through major projects and proposals such as City Center, downtown Alpharetta, a convention/conference/performing arts center, the Alpharetta Technology Commission and other economic development ideas.

While it's inconvenient for city residents, the meeting is open to the public. The annual meeting has been held in Alpharetta in some years, but the council likes to get out of town. This year's choice of location gives them a chance to check out the Classic Center in Athens, which is one of the inspirations for a possible convention/conference center in Alpharetta.

Sunday, Jan. 20

6 p.m. ‐ 8 p.m.               Budget Process and Priorities / Millage Rate Reviews / Capital Projects / Other Financial Matters

Monday, Jan. 21

7:30-9 a.m.                 Breakfast and Review of 2012

9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.       City Center Develop.m.ent Discussion

10:45 a.m.-Noon        Main Street / Downtown West / Rucker Road Discussion

Noon-1:30 p.m.          Lunch in Downtown Athens / Possible Tour of Classic Center

1:30-3 p.m.                 Convention / Conference / Performing Arts Center Discussion

3:15-4 p.m.                 Alpharetta Technology Commission – Incubator / Branding

4-6 p.m.                      General Discussion / Goal Setting

6 p.m.                         Adjourn