More than 120 government, business, and civic leaders from metro Atlanta will visit the New York City region on August 14-17 for the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2024 LINK™ trip. LINK participants will explore key issues facing both regions, including transit, climate and the green economy, housing, and redevelopment. During the visit, the LINK delegation will meet with leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors in New York.

“New York City provides a ready-made laboratory for Atlanta leaders to explore world-class innovations as well as major challenges facing both of our regions, from housing affordability to climate mitigation,” said Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director & CEO. “The LINK delegation will have the opportunity to hear from leading experts, tour cutting-edge developments, and study groundbreaking programs to inform our region's work back home.”

During the visit, the New York Economic Development Council will lead a robust conversation on the green economy, clean tech workforce, and how New York City is bringing new jobs and training to people who live in areas affected by underinvestment and economic injustice. Keith Parker, president of Goodwill of North Georgia joins the discussion to share the similar work Goodwill partnered with ARC on over recent years.

A fireside chat led by Bloomberg reporter Jason Kelly with Atlanta-based tech venture capitalist David Cummings will provide an opportunity to explore best practices for innovation in economic development and tech venture financing. This is of particular relevance to metro Atlanta, in light of ongoing efforts to build an ecosystem of technology investments in the region, with a focus on Downtown Atlanta.

The delegates will also break into small groups for mobile LINK Labs that include visits to the Hudson Yards District and High Line Park, Grand Central Madison Station, Governors Island, New York Stock Exchange, and a Harlem Heritage Tour. They will also visit Brooklyn Bridge Park and explore planned and completed transit station redevelopments along 8^thTransit: Navigating New York City's Transit Major Capital Improvements

From the iconic subway system to the intricate network of buses and commuter rail, the city's transit infrastructure stands as a testament to its vitality. In recent years, a wave of capital improvements, has swept through key transit hubs such as Penn Station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Grand Central Madison. The latter is an $11.2 billion initiative, built as part of New York's East Side Access project, opened in 2023. It is the largest single construction project undertaken by Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Climate and Sustainability: New York City's Innovative Climate Mitigation Solutions

In the face of escalating climate change and the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, New York City has emerged as a global leader in implementing innovative solutions for coastal resiliency and to mitigate the environmental impact of the city itself. From pioneering initiatives like the NYC Climate Exchange to ambitious green economy plans (which aims to create 400,000 jobs by the year 2030), and cutting-edge Smart City TestBed Pilots, the city is spearheading a paradigm shift towards sustainability and resilience.

Housing: Pioneering Affordable Housing Solutions

In the buzzing metropolis of New York City, the lack of affordable housing has long been a pressing concern and these days is reaching a crisis level. However, amidst the challenges, the city has transformed their housing market, adapting financing strategies to address this housing crisis. From inclusive housing initiatives to integrated adaptive reuse, NYC is leading the way in redefining what it means to create vibrant, inclusive communities.

Redevelopment: New York City Redevelopment Initiatives to Revitalize the Big Apple

Hudson Yards is a historic development that has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a once-abandoned industrial area into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that stands as one of the largest private real estate developments in the United States.

Times Square continues to transform via a three-phase capital improvement project. The Times Square Alliance manages the district, with a focus on public safety, regulation of activities, and ensuring the spaces work well for businesses, visitors, and residents.

New York City's ongoing investments in Lower Manhattan redevelopment and coastal resilience exemplify its commitment to improving public health, boosting economic opportunity, and enhancing overall livability for its residents.