More than 180 government, business, and civic leaders from metro Atlanta will travel to Mexico City this month for the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2026 LINK™ trip. It marks the first time the program has visited Mexico.

One of the world’s largest metropolitan regions, Mexico City has become a global laboratory for addressing many of the same challenges facing metro Atlanta, including mobility, water resilience, equitable economic growth, housing, and climate adaptation. During the visit, LINK participants will engage with government, business, and nonprofits while exploring policies and projects shaping one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Participants will examine how Mexico City has invested in integrated transit, neighborhood revitalization, public spaces, and community infrastructure to improve quality of life while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The program emphasizes practical lessons that can help inform the Atlanta region’s future.

Mexico City is a compelling case study for equitable urban innovation including:

Integrated Mobility in Action

Participants will experience Mexico City’s world-renowned transportation network, including the Metro, Metrobús bus rapid transit system, and Cablebús aerial cable cars. Here they will learn how coordinated investments are expanding access to jobs, education, and opportunity.

Innovative Water Solutions

Water is one of Mexico City’s most pressing challenges and one of its greatest opportunities for innovation. LINK participants will visit Isla Urbana, an internationally recognized nonprofit that has pioneered rainwater harvesting systems to improve water security and resilience throughout the city. The experience will also highlight how historic sites such as Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo Museum, have incorporated sustainable water practices.

A Living World Heritage Landscape

Participants will travel through the canals of Xochimilco to explore the city’s centuries-old chinampas, or floating gardens, where traditional farming practices continue to support biodiversity, local food production, and climate resilience. The immersive experience will give LINK attendees a unique look at how ancient knowledge continues to inform modern sustainability strategies.

“The LINK program gives regional leaders the opportunity to learn directly from cities confronting many of the same challenges and opportunities that we face in metro Atlanta.  Mexico City demonstrates how bold investments in mobility, resilience, public spaces, and community development can improve quality of life at a metropolitan scale,” said Anna Roach, Executive Director & CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission. “LINK attendees will gain firsthand exposure to distinctive sites, innovative projects and critical infrastructure through our Mobile LINK Labs showcasing practical solutions to community challenges.”

LINK participants will hear from internationally recognized experts, public officials, architects, planners, researchers, and nonprofit leaders throughout the program. A featured fireside conversation will bring together leaders from Atlanta and Mexico City to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing large metropolitan regions.  Additionally, as two recent 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities, Atlanta and Mexico City have a lot in common. Leaders from both cities will share what they learned about bringing the world to their respective cities.

Sessions will explore topics including integrated transportation systems, stormwater management and water resource planning, equitable community investment, arts and culture as economic development, and regional leadership. Mexico City has preserved and protected their historic culture while modernizing contemporary solutions and participants will also hear about its fascinating culture and history through an arts and culture panel.