Atlanta — Oct 26, 2021
More than 100 civic and business leaders from metro Atlanta will visit metro Chicago on Oct. 27-29 for the 2021 LINK™ trip, coordinated by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).
The undisputed capital of the Midwest, Chicago is a cultural hub and dynamic region that will offer this year’s LINK participants insights in areas that include community collaboration, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to foster greater racial equity.
“After a difficult year that revealed many inequities across our region and across the nation, this year’s LINK trip program takes on especial importance,” said ARC Executive Director Doug Hooker.
“Chicago has a long history of public and private sector collaboration to address key issues and improve quality of life,” he said. “The Atlanta region is forecasted to have a population of about 8.6 million in 2050, roughly the size of Chicago now. We’re eager to learn from Chicago leaders about issues and challenges we’ll face as we continue to grow.”
Discussions will include a panel on the lessons of 2020 featuring Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot that will be introduced by former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Other topics will explore long-term economic recovery through a lens of equity and efforts to close the wealth gap in Chicago.
LINK participants will also visit suburban city of Evanston, IL, to learn how the city has convened public, private, and university partners to work toward racial equity. Accomplishments of this work include the recent establishment of a housing reparations program and a forthcoming universal basic income pilot program in collaboration with Northwestern University.
Presenting Sponsors: HNTB, North Fulton Community District, Partnership Gwinnett
ARC Annual Partners: Georgia Power, Uber, Delta
Premier Sponsors: Atkins, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts
Champion Sponsors: ARCADIS, ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts, Axis Infrastructure, Council for Quality Growth, Croy Engineering, Elevate Douglas County Development Authority (Elevate Douglas), Henry County Development Authority, Kaiser Permanente, Kimley-Horn, Macallan, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, Town Center Community Improvement District, The Woodruff Arts Center, WSP.
Supporting Sponsors: Buckhead Community Improvement District, McGuireWoods Consulting
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
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Contact Name: Paul Donsky
Contact Phone: 404-202-4662
Contact Email: pdonsky@atlantaregional.org
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
