Economic Development Forum: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) + The Stitch (CEDS Input & Learning Tour: Discover The Stitch)

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) invites you to a focused forum on the future of economic development across the Atlanta region.

This event brings together practitioners and community leaders to provide direct input into the Atlanta region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy — a federally recognized, data-informed plan that shapes how our region invests in people, infrastructure, and long-term resilience. The forum will also feature an exclusive look at The Stitch, one of the most significant civic infrastructure projects underway in the Southeast.

This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise, hear from peers, and help shape strategies that advance economic mobility and inclusive growth for all communities across the region.

Event Details

Date

June 24, 2026

Time

9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Location

505 Courtland St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Community Room

Registration Contact

Keri Stevens
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 404-455-4745

Registration

Secure your seat early, space is limited.

Register for the Event

Share this invitation with colleagues who shape or influence regional economic development.

Why Attend? What You'll Gain

Direct input into the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Atlanta region.
A focused look at The Stitch — a transformative civic infrastructure project that catalyzes housing access, affordable transportation, jobs, and community resources.
An interactive dialogue on economic development needs in the region with a focus on economic mobility: pathways to opportunity, inclusive growth, and measurable outcomes.
Networking with fellow Economic Development professionals and community leaders.

Focus of the Forum

Centered on your input to strengthen the CEDS for the Atlanta region.
Elevating Economic Mobility as a core lens to inform and shape infrastructure investments across the region.
Showcasing a regional success story in progress: The Stitch.
Demonstrating how infrastructure investment, housing access, and job creation can be embedded in project design and policy.

Event Agenda

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Networking & Light Refreshments

10:00 AM 11:45 AM

Introduction
The Stitch: project overview, status, lessons learned, and next steps
Presentation: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update and Discussion of Economic Development Needs
Q&A and collaborative discussion to shape regional strategies
ARC Resource Outline (Funding and Technical Assistance)

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Rooftop View of The Stitch and Surrounding Area and Walking Tour

Note: Light breakfast refreshments will be served. Space is limited, reserve your spot today and invite colleagues to join the conversation shaping our region’s future.

Tour Highlight: The Stitch

A transformative civic infrastructure investment designed to reconnect Downtown Atlanta with surrounding neighborhoods.
17 acres of new community park space atop a ¾-mile platform spanning the Downtown Connector (between Ted Turner Drive and Piedmont Avenue).
Transportation infrastructure improvements, policy frameworks, and community initiatives that better link Downtown with Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, English Avenue, and Vine City.
The Stitch serves as a catalyst for sustainable growth and provides a practical, learn-by-doing case study for infrastructure investments of all kinds, with a particular lens on expanding economic mobility.