On August 10, 2023, the Council for Quality Growth, through the Quality Growth Institute, will host its 3^rd annual The INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference at the City Springs Studio Theatre in Sandy Springs. Each year, The INTERSECTION convenes public policy and private investment leaders to discuss the most pressing issues facing our region. The 2023 theme “Collaborate & Compete” will explore innovation in public-private partnerships happening right here in metro Atlanta and ways to rethink our housing issues with solutions that keep our region a top competitor for new investment. Doug Hooker, CEO of the Atlanta Connector Park and former Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the conference and guide this in-depth discussion.

A packed agenda features 20 experts, including 2 national keynotes and 18 other featured speakers, case studies, and panelists. The half-day event features a diverse group of industry-leading organizations across the metro Atlanta region who will delve into two essential topics vital to Atlanta's growth and development. The Council for Quality Growth works at “the intersection” of public policy and private investment, and The INTERSECTION is an educational event with content tailored to both sides of development. The keynotes, speakers, and panelists featured on August 10 will provide new and relevant ideas, realistic best practices, and innovative solutions for both the public and private sector professionals to take back to their own projects in their own municipalities.

“This event encapsulates our organization's commitment to fostering collaboration and driving positive change in the Atlanta region,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “We believe that by bringing together the most ingenious and influential leaders, we can arrive at customized solutions to address the unique challenges facing our communities and pave the way for a prosperous future.”

In addition to presenting formative discussions, The INTERSECTION has consistently attracted a diverse array of attendees representing various sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, economic development, government, and community organizations. The event aims to drive the growth and prosperity of the Atlanta region by educating members, partners, and leaders on critical issues, innovative solutions, and fostering strategic partnerships.

The INTERSECTION Conference is a product the Quality Growth Institute, the education arm of the Council for Quality Growth and an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the state of Georgia. Through the Quality Growth Institute, conference attendees are eligible to receive credit hours towards occupational licensing, including Continuing Education (CE) real estate credit hours approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission, Certification Maintenance (CM) AICP planning credit hours approved by the Georgia Planning Association, and Professional Development Hour (PDH) engineering credits. 

A full agenda of content and speakers can be found at www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/INTERSECTION. Registration is now open, and sponsorships are available for this event at the website above. Tickets are required for all guests. Admission is free for elected officials. Media is invited to attend and should RSVP to Kathryn Jones at [email protected].

WHAT:                  The INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference

                                Collaborate & Compete: Innovative Partnerships and Competitive Housing

WHEN:                 August 10, 2023

                                7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

WHERE:                City Springs Studio Theatre

                                1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

WHO:                    Public Policy and Private Investment Leaders

                                Master of Ceremonies:

• Doug Hooker, CEO, Atlanta Connector Park

Keynote Speakers:

• Jonathan Tower, Founder & Managing Partner, Arctaris Impact Investors
• Tony Perez, Senior Associate, Opticos Design

Featured Speakers/Panelists:

• Shaun Adams, Commercial Real Estate Counsel, Parker Poe

• Matt Bedsole, Director of Housing Innovation Lab, Office of the Mayor, City of Atlanta

• Mike Carnathan, Manager of Research & Analytics, Atlanta Regional Commission

• Alan Ferguson, President & CEO, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity

• Sharon Guest, Owner/Manager, Radiant Development Partners

• Brian Johnson, City Manager, Peachtree Corners

• Sarah Kirsch, Managing Director of Housing Funds, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

• Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President & CEO, Invest Atlanta

• Brian McGowan, President, Centennial Yards Atlanta

• Tiana McNeil, IoT Lab Program & Business Development, T-Mobile

• Ashani O’Mard, Senior Vice President of Strategic Housing Investments, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.

• Mayor Rusty Paul, City of Sandy Springs

• Lejla Prljaca, Executive Director, Gwinnett Housing Corporation

• Marjy Stagmeier, Managing Director, Tri-Star Real Estate Investment

• Richard Taylor, Managing Partner, ARRC Capital Partners

• Greg Voetsch, Partner, I-3 Partners

• Booker T. Washington, Founder & CEO, South Park Cottages & Techie Homes, Inc.

• Mayor Vince Williams, City of Union City