News Center | Press Releases
Atlanta — Aug 13, 2025
More than 130 government, business, and civic leaders from metro Atlanta will visit the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) region Aug. 20-23 for the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2025 LINK™ trip.
LINK participants will explore key issues facing both the Atlanta region and the DMV, such as housing affordability, infrastructure, and managing the growth of data centers that are powering the artificial intelligence boom. During the visit, the LINK delegation will meet with leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, with a focus on suburban growth and public-private partnerships.
Participants will explore DMV’s adoption of connected infrastructure and learn how the region has fostered inclusive growth. They will also talk to leaders about the region’s strategic investments in infrastructure, housing, and sustainability that have reinforced the region’s position as a hub for innovation, governance, and global engagement.
Highlights of this year’s LINK trip include:
Visit to Amazon’s ‘HQ2’
The LINK tour will include a guided tour of Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington, Va., an innovative urban campus that features public green space, 14 small businesses, enhanced neighborhood connectivity, and office towers with rooftop gardens, flexible meeting hubs, and wellness offerings.
Tour of Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus
Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus is a $1 billion investment in graduate-level tech education and research that has catalyzed the region’s transformation into a growing tech hub. The campus includes an 11-story building dedicated to computer science and engineering, with labs for AI, quantum computing, and robotics.
“Much like Atlanta, the DMV is an innovative, thriving area that offers great insight and inspiration for metro regions across the country. I look forward to having meaningful conversations with DMV leaders about many of the challenges and opportunities that our two communities share and using that collaboration to inform and inspire continued success for our great region,” said Anna Roach, Executive Director & CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission.
LINK panel discussions will cover a range of issues, including a session on regional stewardship moderated by Andre Dickens, who serves as ARC Board Chairman and Mayor of the City of Atlanta.
Another panel will focus on the impact of AI data centers, which offer increased local tax revenue but have implications for energy and water use as well as on long-term community planning. Northern Virgina is home to the largest concentration of data centers in the country, and metro Atlanta has become one of the fastest-growing markets for the facilities.
Other sessions will cover economic growth, the challenges and opportunities facing suburban cities, serving the unhoused population, and housing affordability strategies for local governments.
In addition to panels, the immersive Mobile LINK Labs offer curated experiences with local leaders and experts from the DMV providing direct insight into innovative projects. Mobile LINK Lab options include:
About the DMV
The DMV region – also known as the National Capital Region is comprised of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia— it is a densely populated and economically vibrant metro area with more than 6.3 million residents. DMV blends federal operations with private-sector strength across industries like technology, defense, education, and healthcare.
The area features a robust transportation network, strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard, and access to national and international markets. It is also home to cultural landmarks, expansive parks, and a high quality of life.
As the region grows, ongoing investment in infrastructure, housing, and sustainability continues to strengthen its role as a premier center for innovation and governance.
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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 75 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Contact Name: Sheryl Merritt
Contact Phone: 470-757-3799
Contact Email: [email protected]
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.
