Atlanta Leaders Learn From NYC: A 'Yes' City, Bold Investments, and the Power of Transit

Atlanta Leaders Look to NYC for Inspiration on Growth and Transformation

Metro Atlanta leaders recently returned from a three-day trip to New York City, bringing back valuable insights and observations about how their region can evolve into a thriving metropolis. The trip, part of the 27th annual LINK trip organized by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), saw nearly 150 participants from the Atlanta area explore the Big Apple, learning from its urban development strategies and successes.

The 'Yes' City: Bold Investments and a Focus on the Future

One recurring theme among the participants was the sense of ambition and a willingness to invest in the impossible. “New York is a city of ‘Yes’. And they are not just saying yes to the traditional. They are saying yes to the impossible,” shared Terri Lee, president of the Atlanta Housing Authority. “They are making monumental investments in housing, homelessness, technology, and transit.”

A Unified Vision: Regional Collaboration and the Power of Transit

The trip highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, with Mayor Andre Dickens, serving as chairman of ARC, emphasizing the need for a unified vision for the entire Atlanta region. “It was the largest group we’ve ever had. It was more diverse, and an average, it was younger,” noted Bill Bolling, the retired founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “For the first time, it really felt regional. In the past, it felt like it was Atlanta in contrast with the rest of the region. The Chairman-Mayor (Dickens) didn’t speak from an Atlanta viewpoint He was speaking for the entire region.”

From Cars to People: Learning From NYC’s Transportation Shift

Participants were particularly impressed by New York’s commitment to prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, a stark contrast to Atlanta’s car-centric culture. “The bicycle and transit infrastructure in New York was just insane,” said Michael Halicki, president and CEO of Park Pride. “New Yorkers demand transit.”

Times Square Transformation: A Model for Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces

The transformation of Times Square, from a congested car-dominated space to a vibrant pedestrian plaza, served as a powerful example. “Over the past decade or two, New York has been turning over more and more of its pavement from automobiles to pedestrians and bicycle infrastructure,” observed Halicki. This shift has created a thriving urban space where tourists and locals alike enjoy the city.

Opening Up Our Reservoirs: A Central Park Inspiration for Atlanta

The trip also highlighted the potential of Atlanta’s water reservoirs, drawing inspiration from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. “The City of Atlanta can and should follow New York’s lead. When I was younger, we used to have picnics at the Atlanta Water Works off Howell Mill Road. We should reopen the park areas around the reservoirs and permit people to walk and run around them like before. The same is true for Westside Park reservoir,” suggested Maria Saporta, author of the article.

Lessons Learned: Thinking Big and Embracing a More Sustainable Future

The trip emphasized the importance of thinking big and embracing a more sustainable future. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s LINK trips serve as a valuable opportunity for the region to learn from other cities, encouraging bold ideas and a vision for a brighter future.