Atlanta conference highlights transit, finance and workforce development
October 2024 — Atlanta has strengthened its standing as one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding cities, driven by its economic diversity and collaborative leadership. This message was clear at the Focus: Atlanta 2024-2025 Launch Conference, where regional leaders convened to share their insights on how transportation, education, and the financial sector are shaping the region’s future.
The event took place Monday at the High Museum of Art, drawing over 250 business leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders for a day of networking and insightful panel discussions.
In her opening remarks at the event, Capital Analytics’ president and CEO Abby Lindenberg provided an overview of the current economic climate of the Atlanta region — highlighting the continued growth over the past year and the challenges facing the area. “As we point out in the opening chapter of our report, a strong business environment, diverse population, excellent higher education system, affordability and a focus on quality of life are among the reasons for the region’s growth. Some surveys show Atlanta as the eighth-best midsized city in the country for economic growth, and No. 1 for starting a career,” said Lindenberg.
After a welcome by High Museum Executive Director Rand Suffolk, the opening panel, “Beyond the BeltLine: The impact of transportation infrastructure on Atlanta’s real estate boom, what’s in the pipeline, and what more is needed?” served as an ssessment of how transportation infrastructure continues to be a key driver of Atlanta’s real estate boom. Moderated by Ryan Gandolfo, Senior Editor at Capital Analytics, the panelists included Collie Greenwood, CEO of MARTA; Nancy Flake Johnson, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta; and Brian McGowan, president of Centennial Yards Company.
Greenwood discussed the role of MARTA in providing sustainable transit options for a growing population, while Johnson highlighted the importance of equitable development, ensuring that transportation benefits all communities. “We must show the country how to do transit right by investing in it, giving citizens the opportunity to be full participants. Access is key — jobs are connected, and communities must be able to reach them,” she said. Meanwhile, McGowan offered a developer’s perspective, pointing out the increasing value of transit-oriented developments in Atlanta and how investing in these systems is key to continuing economic development.
The second panel, “Impact and Excellence: The evolving role of higher education in shaping top talent and Greater Atlanta’s future,” shifted focus to innovative strategies and practices driving workforce development. Moderated by Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, this panel explored how educational institutions are shaping the workforce of tomorrow and contributing to the city’s broader economic development. The discussion featured insights from Georj Lewis, president of Clayton State University, and Michael Thurmond, CEO of DeKalb County who brought perspective on how higher education and local government are working to address the workforce needs of the region.
Lewis emphasized the importance of adaptability in higher education to meet the needs of both students and industry, and Thurmond echoed the sentiment, stressing that education is not only about creating talent but also about empowering communities. “Georgia is a place where people come to find jobs. At the core of who we are is creating jobs and economic opportunities, and Metro Atlanta excels at this. Prosperity and economic mobility exist here, and people come for the opportunities our region provides,” he said.
Rounding out the event, the panel “Banking on Growth: How Atlanta’s financial sector is driving regional economic expansion” provided a deep dive into the role that the banking industry plays in fostering Atlanta’s continued growth. The discussion, moderated by Lindenberg, featured insights from Chris Torie, region president of Renasant Bank; Barry McCarthy, president and CEO of Deluxe Corporation; Al McRae, Atlanta president of Bank of America; and Laura King, president of Georgia United Credit Union.
The panel highlighted key strategies for supporting the region’s economic growth. King emphasized the importance of financial education in creating an environment where people can thrive, while McRae and McCarthy discussed the importance of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. To wrap up the panel, Torie addressed the hurdles the financial sector is navigating, such as inflation and regulatory pressures. He highlighted how businesses are adapting, saying, “Despite challenges, our business is strong. Decisions are taking time as we try to make the right ones with limited information. Inflation remains a key concern, and companies are acting to make things more affordable.”
To access the latest edition of Focus: Atlanta 2024-2025 and all market reports by Capital Analytics, click here.
About Capital Analytics & Focus: Atlanta 2024-2025
Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
Focus: Atlanta 2024-2025 is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the economy in the area, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Focus: Atlanta 2024-2025 is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the Atlanta region for local, national, and international investors, and 2) to promote the region as a place to invest and do business.
The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders, and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
For more information, contact:
Jerrica DuBois
Senior Editor
305-523-9708 Ext. 261
