The 5th Annual State of the Aerotropolis was a milestone moment for our region. Leaders from across business, government, and community came together to celebrate regional achievements and set the stage for what’s next.

The event highlighted how collaboration fuels momentum and how the Aerotropolis continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, connection, and opportunity.

We extend our deepest thanks to our key sponsors and partners, Dr. Kim McNair, the Aero ATL Team, A1 Audio and Visual, David Thornton Media, our dedicated volunteers, PCI student volunteers, our VIP sponsors who shared their voices during the VIP Reception, and, of course, our guests. Your support and participation made this year’s Honors the best one yet

AERO INSIDER: August 2025

Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, in partnership with Georgia Power, hosted a networking mixer during the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) Annual Conference. Partnerships fuel progress! Thank you, Clayton County Office of Economic Development, for spotlighting the event.

This month’s Deals & Dirt Masterclass: Back to School for CRE Professionals brought together real estate leaders to share strategies for closing deals smarter, faster, and more sustainably. With commercial markets shifting and development incentives evolving, Samir Abdullahi, Director of Select Fulton, joined industry experts and legal leaders at Bradley in Midtown to provide insights on navigating the future of commercial real estate in Atlanta and Fulton County.

We participated in the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Economic Development team for an in-person Lunch & Learn focused on commercial real estate and site strategy in metro Atlanta. The program featured insights from Shelbi Bodner of Bridger Properties, Josh Hirsh of JLL, Blaine Kelley of CBRE, and was moderated by Chris Ahrenkiel of Selig Enterprises.

The Georgia Department of Education is expanding its CTAE+ initiative. Which ensures Georgia students receive credit toward math, science, and ELA graduation requirements when they complete Career Pathways with math-, science, and ELA-heavy courses – to include construction Pathways. 



To graduate high school, Georgia students are required to take four math, four science, and four ELA courses. CTAE+ allows them to fulfill those fourth-course requirements by completing a Career Pathway specifically identified for math, science, or ELA credit. 

Award-Winning Vision for Clayton County! We’re proud to share that the Tara Boulevard Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Study has won the 2025 GA ASLA Merit Award in Analysis & Planning!

This plan reimagines 11 miles of Tara Boulevard as a vibrant, inclusive corridor focused on mobility, equity, and public life, all shaped by community input.

We are honored to have collaborated with Pond & Company, VHB, Clayton County Board of Commissioners, the Atlanta Regional Commission, City of Jonesboro, Georgia, City of Lovejoy, and MXD Development Strategists Ltd whose leadership and partnership shaped this ambitious vision.

Georgia Tech’s Urban Engineering Systems Design Workshop brings together students from City & Regional Planning, Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture to reimagine the cities of the future. This cross-disciplinary course focuses on urban digital twins, virtual models that help design smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable urban systems.

Through a blend of systems thinking, design thinking, urban data analytics, and digital engineering, students tackle real-world challenges around smart mobility, energy, and climate resilience.

The 2025 workshop, in collaboration with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, and other key partners, explores innovative solutions shaping the future of airports and the surrounding Aerotropolis region.

Atlanta Technical College and OneGoal have signed an MOU to expand postsecondary pathways for Atlanta’s high school students. This partnership goes beyond a signature; it’s a commitment to equity, access, and opportunity.

Together, ATC and OneGoal will connect students to technical credentials and certification programs, support seamless transitions from high school to college, provide comprehensive wraparound services to enhance persistence and completion, and share data to strengthen student outcomes.

Join leaders and decision-makers from across metro Atlanta at the 2025 State of the Region, which will take place on Friday, Oct. 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The Clayton County Office of Economic Development moves forward with our mission to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth within the South Atlanta Metro Area, we are excited to announce a significant milestone: the development of our brand-new Small Business Incubator.

We invite you to participate in a quick survey that will help shape the future of this incubator, ensuring it serves the needs and aspirations of our vibrant community and the local business landscape

Atlanta Civic Circle wants to hear from you! Take their survey to share your experiences and help understand the impact of federal actions on metro Atlanta households and organizations.

The survey gathers fact-based insights from Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties to help local leaders and civic groups make informed decisions and guide meaningful solutions.

We honor Dr. Gulley for his steadfast commitment to service and leadership in our region. His recent recognition reflects a lasting legacy that will continue to shape our community for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes as he enters retirement

The Aerotropolis “Land Here. Take Off.” (LHTO) Center

Located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the LHTO Center is the region’s newest hub for innovation, training, and entrepreneurship. Offering coworking space, meeting rooms, and exclusive member amenities, it’s the ideal spot for business travelers and entrepreneurs looking to connect, collaborate, and grow. Join today and be part of the future of the Aerotropolis community.

Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance is soaring, thanks to our investors. Explore the leaders fueling our thriving ecosystem.