Atlanta is the 10th fastest-growing city in the nation with a projected economic growth rate of 3.5 percent between 2011 and 2016. Yet for decades, there has been a noticeable divide between Atlanta’s southern and northern regions.
The southside has traditionally been overlooked compared to the northside in job growth, population, housing and economic development. However, South Metro has emerged as a key catalyst and contributor to metropolitan Atlanta’s growth.
There are signs of economic growth throughout South Metro: new upscale single-family developments, a growing film industry, rapid expansion in the health-care sector, and a strong college presence. In addition, new commercial mixed-use and retail development, along with continued growth in the industrial marketplace, are signs of a robust region.
For 13 years, the South Metro Development Outlook Conference has brought together industry experts, corporate executives, government leaders and elected officials interested in fostering economic growth in the region. The conference covers Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Henry, south Fulton and Spalding counties and the southern portion of Atlanta.
Its 2015 meeting was recently held at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. Economic development was the major focus.
Among the 30 speakers was nationally acclaimed economist Roger Tutterow. He spoke of the emergence of distribution and logistics centers that could help position the southern region as an industry leader. Doug Hooker, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, presented valuable information about South Metro successes, and considers Fort Gillem’s Logistics Center and Kroger — which is constructing a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution facility on the property — as two forces leading the charge for development in the southern crescent.
Several economic development initiatives were highlighted, including Porsche’s $100 million facility on 130 acres adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport; Chime Solutions’ call center at Southlake Mall, which will generate more than 1,120 jobs; and Toppan Printing Ltd., a Japan-based company that invested $100 million in a Spalding facility.
Existing economic development initiatives aiding growth of South Metro include Camp Creek Market Place, a successful tax allocation district that opened in 2003. Additionally, in the past two years, the Fulton Industrial Boulevard Improvement District and Airport West Community Improvement District joined the South Fulton CID, established in the late 90s.
The film industry is having a major economic impact. South Metro Development Outlook featured a session on the industry, which included Coweta’s Senoia Enterprises, home of the television show, “The Walking Dead”; Fayetteville’s Pinewood Studios, and the proposed Fort McPherson/Tyler Perry movie studio complex. Additionally, Union City is slated to build 12 film stages at the former Shannon Mall. Clayton State University and Fayette County schools are addressing the education component that will provide skilled workers for the film industry.
Interest in the Clayton MARTA partnership was high. Providing transit service in Clayton is historic for MARTA, as it is the system’s first major addition in 40 years. Limited service will begin in late March with 35 buses initially; the partnership is expected to generate 2,500 new jobs.
The conference culminated with Hartsfield-Jackson’s aviation manager, Miguel Southwell, presenting insights on projects planned for the airport and the surrounding area. South Metro’s biggest tenant, the world’s busiest airport, is truly an economic engine for the region.
Michael Hightower, an Atlanta Aerotropolis Alliance board member, is founder and managing partner of The Collaborative Firm.
