Metro Atlanta Bigwigs Head to the Big Apple for the 2024 LINK Conference
Leaders in Atlanta, Georgia, will take a big bite of the “Big Apple” to learn from their Northern counterparts in New York City. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has selected New York City as the destination for its 27th annual LINK (Leadership, Innovation, Networking, Knowledge) meeting this year.
Set to span August 14 – 17, the conference will host Atlanta’s largest delegation yet with around 145 regional leaders attending. Despite the apparent differences in scale and density between these two metropolises, Atlanta executives are keen to learn from New York’s initiatives that have direct relevance to the challenges Atlanta faces.
The LINK conference will allow these leaders to explore common issues present in both cities, such as transit, climate, housing and redevelopment. Experts and innovators within these areas present in the Big Apple will be giving talks, offering fresh perspectives for Atlanta to consider.
From Times Square to Grand Central
The meeting will kick off in the heart of the city, in Times Square. Delegates will assess the once car-centric square, now a pedestrian-paradise known worldwide. The focus of the ARC are on urban design, redevelopment opportunities, transport infrastructure and affordable housing solutions for all Atlantans. Mike Alexander, ARC’s COO, stated that they’ll also focus on learning how New York City managed to make biking safely around a city as vast as Manhattan a reality in the past twenty years.
New York Investments and Atlanta Transformations
Among the major projects discussed will include the East Midtown Manhattan and Grand Central development, the largest construction project ever undertaken by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, costing $11.2 billion. Another fascinating topic for delegates will be the redevelopment of Hudson Yards, once a disused industrial area, now a mixed-use community booming with life.
Leaders will also dive into a fireside chat between the Atlanta Beltline and the High Line Park Trust. Both projects demonstrate how disused railway lines can transform into thriving pedestrian locations. These discussions will provide inspiration for Atlanta’s urban redevelopment plans, such as the conversion of downtown Atlanta’s Gulch area into Centennial Yards and SoDo.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
With affordable housing a significant topic throughout Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration, insight into how the New York City Economic Development Corp has been converting empty office buildings into affordable housing and hotels will be invaluable. This could spark new exciting opportunities for Atlanta, enhancing the city’s housing supply in business districts.
Closing Bell Ceremony
The ARC’s LINK trip is not purely business and urban planning. It also includes opportunities to immerse in cultural experiences. Delegates will participate in the Closing Bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange on August 15th, marking the end of another day in the global financial center – a rare experience for most.
Strengthening Relationships and Sharing Wisdom
Paralleling the Atlanta and New York City experiences, LINK aims to build stronger ties among diverse background leaders from different sectors and regions, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Through the LINK conference, Atlanta is proactively stepping up to learn from bigger metropolises such as New York City, using new insights and ideas to support the continued growth and prosperity of its local communities.
