By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 8, 2025
The Council for Quality Growth has unveiled the full speaker lineup for its 5th annual INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference, set for Thursday, August 15, 2025, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. This year’s theme—“Infrastructure & Investment: Addressing Urgent Funding Challenges in Uncertain Times”—underscores the region’s pressing need for innovative solutions to finance critical infrastructure projects amid shrinking budgets and economic uncertainty.
More than 500 public and private sector professionals are expected to attend the half-day event, which kicks off at 7:00 a.m. with a program start at 7:45 a.m. The Council’s educational arm hosts the conference, the Quality Growth Institute, and aims to spark regional collaboration and dialogue at the intersection of public policy and private investment. By attending, you will gain insights from industry leaders, network with peers, and earn up to 4.0 credit hours for professional licensing and continuing education across disciplines, including real estate, planning, and engineering.
19 Experts, 8 Sessions, One Region’s Future
The conference boasts a diverse and dynamic roster of 19 speakers across eight sessions, including government officials, infrastructure experts, media leaders, and policy analysts, ensuring a rich and varied perspective on the issues at hand.
Doug Hooker, former executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, will serve as master of ceremonies, guiding attendees through a packed agenda that addresses not just what metro Atlanta needs—but how to pay for it.
Federal delays in infrastructure funding, combined with last year’s failed voter referendums, have left many local projects in limbo. Conference speakers will analyze new funding models, policy options, and public-private strategies to move development forward despite economic headwinds.
Keynote Speakers Bringing National Insight
Two high-profile keynote speakers will anchor the program:
- George Riccardo, transportation policy expert and National Practices Consultant at HNTB, will offer a Washington perspective on federal infrastructure investments.
- Jared Fleisher, newly appointed CEO of Bedrock Real Estate, will discuss innovative redevelopment policies from Detroit and how similar strategies could benefit metro Atlanta.
Notable Speakers and Sessions
Panels and sessions include participation from leaders like:
- Former U.S. Representatives Carolyn Bourdeaux and Tom Graves
- Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid
- Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson
- Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell
- Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul
- Clarkston Mayor Beverly Burks
- Union City Mayor Vince Williams
Media and data experts such as Greg Bluestein (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Dean Anason (Atlanta Business Chronicle), and Mike Alexander (Atlanta Regional Commission) will also contribute, along with private-sector strategists from Sustainability Partners, Atlas, and The Collaborative Firm.
Sessions will explore voter hesitancy around special-purpose local option sales taxes (SPLOST), case studies on redevelopment success, and proposals for rethinking infrastructure finance in a constrained environment. These sessions will delve into the challenges and opportunities in the current infrastructure landscape, providing valuable insights for professionals in the public and private sectors.
A Mission for Smart, Sustainable Growth
The Council for Quality Growth developed The INTERSECTION Conference with a mission to bridge public and private interests and encourage thoughtful, sustainable development across metro Atlanta. The annual event, growing in attendance and influence, serves as a vital forum for proactive dialogue on the future of transportation, housing, and economic growth. Attendees will receive up to 4.0 credit hours for professional licensing and continuing education across disciplines, including real estate, planning, and engineering.
Registration & Admission
Tickets are required for all attendees:
- $115 for Council Members
- $135 for Non-Members
- FREE for Elected Officials (RSVP required)
- FREE for Press/Media (RSVP required)
To register, visit: www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/INTERSECTION
Event Details:
WHAT:
The INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference
“Infrastructure & Investment: Addressing Funding Challenges in Uncertain Times”
WHEN:
Thursday, August 15, 2025
7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Program begins at 7:45 a.m.)
WHERE:
Byers Theater at City Springs
1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
WHO:
Public policy and private sector development leaders
About the Organizers
The Council for Quality Growth is a trade association dedicated to balanced and responsible development across metro Atlanta. Its education-focused affiliate, the Quality Growth Institute, organizes The INTERSECTION and other events to inform and engage leaders on regional growth strategies.
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