Former Mayor Andrew Young, who arguably did more than any mayor to place Atlanta on a global stage, recently wrote the city had moved beyond being the “next great international city” to a “global powerhouse.”
I couldn’t agree more. Atlanta has a unique opportunity to solidify its position as the business and cultural center of the South via global engagement.
We have the tools to achieve this objective. We are home to the nation’s third-highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, the world’s busiest airport, and renowned universities and talent. The consulting firm AT Kearney ranked Atlanta 35th on its Global Cities Index.
I’m not satisfied with Atlanta being 35th, though. I want us to dream big and move past cities such as Dubai, Berlin and Buenos Aires. I am taking steps to strengthen our city as a global leader in logistics, technology, trade and culture.
Atlanta ranks among the top 10 U.S. cities for foreign direct investment. Opportunities to expand foreign trade and investment are critical if Atlanta is to become the logistics hub of the Western Hemisphere. I have made it a priority to increase air cargo traffic into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Just last year, Atlanta was ranked as one of the top 10 U.S. cities for air cargo traffic.
Recently, the Atlanta City Council approved an incentive program to attract new cargo carriers. I hope the program increases our airport’s global competitiveness. I will continue to work on the deepening of the Port of Savannah. We’re close to getting funding for that project, which would expand cargo traffic and bring additional jobs to metro Atlanta.
This month, I led a delegation of area companies to Brazil, where we met with more than 150 potential investors to promote Atlanta for foreign direct investments and export trade opportunities. Today, 35 Georgia companies do business in Brazil, and 41 Brazilian companies do business in Georgia.
Another key vision is to make Atlanta a global technology hub. I’ve set a goal to retain 75 percent of our science and technology graduates here so they can launch, cultivate and nurture their dreams. I recently traveled to Silicon Valley to tell the Atlanta story to venture capitalists. Right now, less than 10 percent of venture capital investment goes to the Southeast. We can, and will, make Atlanta an attractive city for Silicon Valley investors.
Finally, Atlanta is a cultural hub. Respect for cultures and a sense of inclusiveness are part of our “secret formula.” However, sometimes the region’s tone does not reflect this. To send a signal that all people are welcome, I signed a resolution reaffirming Atlanta’s commitment to being a Welcoming City. We will recognize the dignity of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity or place of birth.
I could not be more excited about our future. I’m confident it will be better than our past if we have the will and the grit to shape it.
Kasim Reed is mayor of Atlanta.
