Mayor Kasim Reed will participate in the Clinton Global Initiative Infrastructure forum today with former President Bill Clinton, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Orgeon Governor John Kitzhaber, California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. Hosted by the West Coast Infrastructure Exchange, “The 21st Century Infrastructure and Innovation for a Resilient Economy Forum” will focus on generating ideas for investing in infrastructure projects and dealing with climate change. 

“Infrastructure development and innovation is critical to ensuring the economic competitiveness of our cities, states, and the country,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I am honored to be on the panel to share the successes we’ve had in Atlanta and to learn from leaders who are driving innovative approaches to accelerating infrastructure investment.” 

Mayor Reed will discuss key infrastructure initiatives in the City of Atlanta and how public-private partnerships are leading to economic development opportunities, including the Atlanta BeltLine and Atlanta Streetcar projects. Since the beginning of the Atlanta BeltLine in 2006, the city has invested more than $360 million from public and private sources, and exponentially leveraged private investment along its path, including the Ponce City Market mixed-use development in the former City Hall East building. Similarly, the Atlanta Streetcar project has re-energized interest in the Historic MLK District, connecting it with the Centennial Olympic Park area. Mayor Reed has also convened a blue ribbon panel to identify efficiencies in city government to help finance a $150 million to $250 million bond referendum to finance infrastructure improvements to streets, bridges, and sidewalks. Such improvements are vital to continued confidence and investments in the city by the business and residential sectors. 

Over the past three years, mayors and other elected officials, private sector and labor leaders, and national experts have utilized the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) platform to advance infrastructure development goals across the U.S. In 2012, Mayor Reed joined former President Clinton and other U.S. Mayors for a discussion on attracting private investment in public infrastructure in cities across the country. 

“Commitments to Action” will be developed at the meeting and released in June at the 2014 CGI America meeting.