On June 26, dozens of city and county leaders from Metro Atlanta gathered in Cobb County for the inaugural Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Regional Assembly of Public Officials. The day-long conference addressed critical issues facing the region, emphasizing the interconnectedness of local challenges.
The assembly featured remarks from Atlanta Mayor and ARC Board Chair Andre Dickens, Executive Director & CEO Anna Roach, and keynote speaker former Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre. Participants engaged in sessions covering pressing topics such as housing affordability, climate resilience, and freight and logistics.
“None of us work in isolation,” Dickens stated. He reinforced the idea that regional challenges require collective action, stating, “What happens in one part of the region affects the rest of the region, and our biggest challenges are regional in scope.”
This event marked a milestone as the first official gathering of leaders from the ARC’s 11-county and 76-city region. Roach aimed not to replicate other existing conferences, such as those hosted by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and Georgia Municipal Association. Instead, she wanted to create an opportunity for collaboration on significant regional issues.
“We could have picked from a host of issues to have them talk about and focus on, but you know, these are the ones that are really bubbling up as the issues we have to talk about collectively and invest in collectively for the future of our region,” Roach remarked.
While topics like freight and logistics may not be the most captivating, Roach emphasized their relevance to daily life in Metro Atlanta. The COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated quarantine, significantly altered consumption patterns, leading to increased freight traffic in the region.
“We want things delivered directly to us,” she explained. Roach highlighted the necessity for infrastructure improvements to accommodate the growing freight demands while ensuring safety for small car commuters.
The conference also tackled housing affordability amidst a national housing crisis, focusing on goals set by local jurisdictions like Atlanta for building new units. Meanwhile, the climate resilience session was timely, coinciding with a heatwave affecting the region this week, prompting discussions on how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Jon Phillipsborn, ARC Climate and Resilience Manager, noted that the session had been planned months prior. He explained that the recent extreme weather served as an impetus for elected officials to engage more deeply in conversations about climate preparedness.
Phillipsborn organized the participants into small groups to discuss various extreme weather scenarios. By deliberating on issues stemming from events like extreme heat and floods, attendees recognized the ripple effects on public safety, commuting challenges, and resources for vulnerable populations.
“It sparks conversations, it makes you think about it differently,” Phillipsborn remarked. He expressed hope that officials would leave with a better understanding of the need for regional investment in infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
The event was characterized by high engagement levels from attendees, which Roach found impressive for a first-of-its-kind gathering. The enthusiasm was palpable, particularly during Smyre’s keynote address on public policy, where he drew from his extensive experience in public office.
“Public policy determines how people live every single day, our families, our quality of life,” Smyre conveyed, resonating with the audience. His remarks culminated in a standing ovation from the attendees, further highlighting the event’s success.
With about a third of the elected officials from across the region in attendance, Roach considered the turnout significant. She indicated that future versions of the event are likely to occur every other year, aligning with the second year of the ARC Chair’s two-year term, ensuring continued dialogue on critical regional issues.
This inaugural assembly represents a significant step forward in fostering collaboration among Metro Atlanta’s leaders. As they work to address housing, climate challenges, and freight logistics collectively, the potential for impactful regional solutions looks promising.
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