South Metro Development Outlook Conference meets March 8

The Collaborative Firm is hosting the South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) Conference 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8.

“South Metro: Transforming for the Future” is the theme of the conference, meeting at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park.

Now the largest conference of its kind in south metropolitan Atlanta, SMDO was established by Michael Hightower, managing partner of The Collaborative Firm, a planning, program management and development company.

Through SMDO for about 20 years, Hightower’s purpose is to convene individuals with a common interest in examining and discussing relevant growth-related issues in South Fulton County.

Today SMDO highlights economic development, planning, infrastructure, transportation and related issues facing Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Henry and South Fulton counties, as well as the city of Atlanta.

Tickets per person are $80 until March 3 or $90 on-site at the GICC on March 8.

More details can be found at facebook.com/SouthMetroDevelopmentOutlook or smdoconference.com/about.

About the Author

Carolyn Cunningham

Homeless camp cleared but memories of man killed there live on

The clearing comes after years of pressure from community stakeholders, including businesses and developers, to shut down a camp that obstructs traffic.

Atlanta attorney, Emory Law grad presumed dead in Texas floods

An Atlanta attorney is among those presumed dead after heavy flooding devastated parts of Central Texas over the July Fourth holiday.

Suspect charged with murder in July 4 carjacking at Cobb apartments

Damaree Baker was arrested Thursday, nearly a week after officials said he fatally shot Cody Chavous while trying to steal his vehicle.

The Latest

Credit: Ben Hendren

Homeless camp cleared but memories of man killed there live on

Atlanta attorney, Emory Law grad presumed dead in Texas floods

Suspect charged with murder in July 4 carjacking at Cobb apartments

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.