September | October 2023
THE MEGA IMPACT OF
THE BELTLINE:
REIMAGINING ATLANTA
10 QUESTIONS WITH CLYDE HIGGS: ATLANTA BELTLINE PRESIDENT & CEO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
18 COVER STORY:
7
The Mega Impact Of Megasites
THE PULSE News Coverage from In and Around the Engineering Community
DEVELOPMENT OF SHOVEL-READY INDUSTRIAL TRACTS BRINGING THOUSANDS OF JOBS TO GEORGIA
12
POLITICAL PULSE
26 31 Reimagining Atlanta
Clyde Higgs
THE BELTLINE'S VISIONARY BLUEPRINT FOR AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE
STEERING ATLANTA BELTLINE TO AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE
Stay Up-to-date with Political News that Affects Engineers in Georgia
55
ASSOCIATION NEWS Updates from the Associations that Make Up the Georgia Engineering Alliance.
66
A LOOK BACK A Back-Page Throwback Picturing Georgia’s Most Historic Landmarks
ON THE COVER Construction of the paint shop is underway at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America on the Bryan County megasite.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Publisher: Michael “Sully” Sullivan Editor-in-Chief: Brett Hillesheim Creative Director | Designer: Sabrina Tongren www.in8-design.com Contributing Editors: Jennifer Head Editorial Intern: Emma Crochet Contributing Writers: David Caraviello Zawn Villines Christy Tarallo Accounting Services Manager: Melisa Beauchamp Advertising Sales Manager: Jennifer Head ACEC Georgia 229 Peachtree Street NE Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 jennifer.head@acecga.org (404) 665-3539
ANITA ATKINSON PE, Patterson & Dewar Engineers / ASCE Georgia / GEF CANDANCE SCALE / SAME CHAD BECKER Kimley-Horn STACEY CHAPMAN CIT, Croft Architecture and Engineering STEPHANIE DAMMEN-MORRELL Hussey Gay Bell MICHELLE ERSTE CPSM, iParametrics / SMPS Atlanta LIGIA FLORIM Cobb County DOT / WTS Atlanta PHILLIP HATCHER PE, SE, Uzun + Case / SEAOG JENNY C. JENKINS PE, VHB / ASHE Georgia CATHERINE JOHNSON AECOM / NSBE KELLY PATRICK PE, PTOE, Cobb County DOT / ITE Georgia JOHN PIERSON PE, Georgia Tech Research Institute / ASCE Georgia RANDAL RIEBEL PE, Delta Air Lines / GSPE THOMAS TRUE PE, LS, Maser Consulting SASHA UGI Croy Engineering BILL WELLS ITS Georgia
Send change of address to: ACEC Georgia 229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 or email editor@engineeringGA.com
Facebook.com/EngineeringGA @Engineering_GA www.EngineeringGA.com Engineering Georgia 2023 is published bi-monthly by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and its partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG, SMPS and WTS. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. In8 Design, ACEC Georgia, and its partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG, SMPS and WTS, as well as their representatives, employees and agents, are held harmless from any claim, demand, liability or action on account of, or in any way arising out of, the client’s advertising, products and services, or its participation in Engineering Georgia.
Atlanta Post
T
The other 49 states must be really tired of finding out that Georgia has once again been ranked the #1 state for business…for an astonishing 10th year in a row! But it ain’t braggin’ if it’s true, and Governor Kemp and the General Assembly deserve tremendous gratitude for their continued commitment to pro-business policies that make Georgia the envy of our sister states around the country. The Governor and his team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, led by Commissioner Pat Wilson, also deserve tremendous credit for the unprecedented number of mega projects they have landed for our state. The Hyundai Metaplant near Savannah, the Rivian plant in Social Circle, SK Battery in Commerce and additional expansions at the Kia plant in West Point are just the most visible example of companies that have decided to make multi-billion dollar investments in the Peach State. But with these projects comes the need for new investment in the public infrastructure that will be required to make these massive manufacturing projects possible. Particularly with these projects being located all over the state and well outside of the Metro Atlanta area. Power, water & sewer and broadband Internet infrastructure will need to be expanded. New roads, bridges, interchanges and rail infrastructure will need to be built. And reliable connectivity to the ports, national supply chains and the wider freight & logistics network will have to be provided. And that’s just to support the direct operations of the facilities themselves. There will also be a “halo effect” from all of the new employees moving to these areas and the homes, schools and commercial development needed to support them. All of that new residential and commercial development will require significant investments in local infrastructure like roads & bridges and water & sewer, just to name a few examples.
Make no mistake, these “byproducts of growth” are great problems to have. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t problems. Addressing them will require leadership that is willing to invest in the infrastructure needed not just for these projects, but for all of the future economic development that will surely continue to be drawn to the #1 state for business. And while these projects transform our state, Metro Atlanta continues to be transformed by the Atlanta BeltLine, under the leadership of Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. We’ve already seen how the sections of the BeltLine that have been completed have been the catalyst for billions of dollars of private development that have revitalized the neighboring communities. It’s astounding to think about how, as additional segments are completed, more and more communities will benefit from similar private sector redevelopment investments that will result. And when recently developed plans for greenways from suburban counties to be extended to connect to the Beltline come to fruition, the impact from connecting communities across the region will be immeasurable. As always, if there’s anything you’d like to share about how we can make Engineering Georgia better, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know at via email: sully@acecga.org or cell: (770) 356-3769.
GET SOCIAL SULLY@ACECGA.ORG 770-356-3769 @MICHAELLSULLY MICHAELLSULLY MICHAELLSULLIVAN
Michael L. "Sully" Sullivan President / CEO, ACEC Georgia Publisher, Engineering Georgia
METRO ATLANTA'S POPULATION REACHES 5.16M WITH JOB-DRIVEN SURGE; CITY AND SUBURBS LEAD GROWTH
Between April 2022 and April 2023, the Atlanta region saw a significant population spike, with an addition of 66,730 residents, raising the total count to 5.16 million, as the Atlanta Regional Commission reported. This growth was most pronounced in the City of Atlanta, which experienced a 2.8% rise, attributed mainly to multi-family housing developments. Atlanta granted close to 12,000 building permits for housing in the past year, a number unmatched by any other region in the area. This population surge is closely tied to job growth in the region; post-pandemic, Metro Atlanta's employment rate has grown by 5.4%, making it the fifth-highest nationally. According to Mike Carnathan from ARC, the region's appeal to businesses and robust employment opportunities are the primary drivers behind this demographic trend.
A unique feature of the camp was its emphasis on mentorship and networking. Participants interacted with experienced engineers, scientists, and professionals, gleaning insights into the A/E/C world. Additionally, a showcase event marked the camp's finale, where students presented their learnings, reinforcing their confidence and achievements. Bianca Frails, CERM's Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at the time, highlighted the company's commitment to workforce development, noting, "Transitioning from one- and two-day workshops to a full week has magnified the impact on students." The camp, free for all participants, culminated in a $500 stipend for each of the 13 inaugural attendees.
THE RAY, GDOT, AND TROUP COUNTY LAUNCH DRONE PROGRAM TO INNOVATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Ray, a nonprofit focused on net-zero transportation, has partnered with Troup County, Georgia, and Skydio, a top U.S. drone manufacturer, to develop a "drone as a first responder" (DFR) program for The Ray Highway on Interstate 85. This initiative aims to boost safety and emergency response in West Georgia, which includes major interstates like I-85, I-185, and I-75, crucial for Southeast manufacturing and logistics. The Georgia Department of Transportation and Georgia's Emergency Management Agency have supported this partnership since its inception.
IGNITING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION: CERM A/E/C SUMMER CAMP UNVEILS EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG MINDS
Corporate Environmental Risk Management (CERM) launched its A/E/C Summer Camp this year, targeting high school students keen on problem-solving, environmental solutions, and community development. Hosted by CERM's nonprofit arm, the CERM Legacy Foundation, this week-long camp catered to students from 9th to 12th grade, offering them a deep dive into the A/E/C industry through hands-on workshops, field trips, and team activities. Abigail Reese Kelley, Executive Director of CERM Legacy Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, "The A/E/C Summer Camp provides an exceptional platform for young talents to explore career paths in our industry. Our vision is to nurture the upcoming wave of innovators and leaders in this domain." The camp's agenda included engaging sessions, including workshops on various engineering disciplines, mentorship from industry professionals, and tours of real-world sites like ATL Airport, Atlanta Technical College, and Kennesaw State University.
Troup County's Marshal Office and fire department recently received drone donations and training from The Ray, enhancing their emergency response capabilities. Drones offer a rapid and efficient way to assess emergencies, from accidents to natural disasters, providing invaluable data to first responders. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, drones offer situational awareness, identify hazards, and safely access hard-to-reach areas, streamlining resource allocation. With this support, Troup County is working towards a comprehensive drone program with trained pilots and established operating hours. To further bolster the initiative, The Ray donated two Skydio drones and provided training to Troup County. The county currently has a basic drone program with limited trained personnel. However, with ongoing support from The Ray and Skydio, Troup County is poised to establish a formalized drone program, enhancing emergency response and infrastructure safety. Drones, especially in emergency scenarios, can be game-changers, enabling timely interventions and potentially saving lives while minimizing risks to human responders. N
engineering ga [ feature the pulse [ news briefs ]]
September | October 7
8 Engineering Georgia
STV's strategy to tap into the massive regional transportation and manufacturing investments. Greg Kelly, P.E., president and CEO of STV, expressed enthusiasm, stating the merger enhances STV's service scale in a fast-developing area, fortifying its presence in the Southeast and offering fresh career prospects for both teams.
MAULDIN & JENKINS CLIMBS ON INSIDE PUBLIC ACCOUNTING'S TOP 100 FIRMS LIST FOR 2023
Mauldin & Jenkins has ascended to rank 65 on INSIDE Public Accounting's Top 100 Firms list for 2023, marking a climb of four places from the previous year. The IPA rankings, a respected industry benchmark, are determined annually based on U.S. net revenues, evaluating data from over 600 surveyed firms nationwide. Managing Partner Hanson Borders remarked upon this achievement, "Achieving this recognition from INSIDE Public Accounting is a great honor. Accomplishing this significant revenue milestone speaks volumes about our commitment to service and the trust of our clients." Mauldin & Jenkins surpassed $100 million in revenue in the past year. This remarkable growth is attributed to a flourishing assurance and advisory practice, strategic acquisitions, and the addition of key industry experts. Investments in professional development have also played a crucial role in the firm's accomplishments. Borders expressed gratitude, noting the dedication and contributions of the firm's loyal clients and skilled professionals as instrumental to their success.
STV GROUP ACQUIRES CIVIL ENGINEERING FIRM WITH STRONG PRESENCE IN GEORGIA, KENTUCKY
STV Group, Inc., a leading North American infrastructure project firm, has acquired civil engineering firm American Engineers, Inc., with over 120 employees across Kentucky and Georgia. The firm, now rebranded as AEI, an STV Company, is headquartered in Glasgow, Kentucky, and provides engineering solutions in transportation, industrial, and other sectors. Located between the booming I-75 and I-65 transportation corridors, this acquisition aligns with
CHANGE OF COMMAND FOR SAVANNAH DISTRICT, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Colonel Ron Sturgeon assumed leadership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, from Col. Joseph Geary on Aug. 4, 2023, in a ceremony officiated by Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner at The DeSoto, Cumberland Ballroom, Savannah, Georgia. The Savannah District, with its roots dating back to 1829, manages water resources across Coastal Georgia and oversees extensive military construction in Georgia and North Carolina. The district team, comprising over 700 professionals, offers a broad spectrum of services, from engineering to environmental stewardship. Col. Sturgeon, before this role, served as the Battalion Commander at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and has held significant positions, from project engineer to strategic planner, across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With a commendable service record, including three combat deployments and participation in the relief mission for Hurricane Katrina, Sturgeon is an alumnus of Youngstown State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, holding degrees in Criminal Justice and Construction Management, respectively. A
engineering the pulse [ news ga [ feature briefs ]]
September | October 9
ATKINSRÉALIS, welcomes Debra
Henson, Ed.D, PMP, MBBSS as a Senior Project Director in their Atlanta office. After serving as the Assistant General Manager of Facilities for the Department of Aviation at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Henson joins the firm with over 11 years of government experience and 25 years of management Debra Henson experience. In her role at Atkins, she will focus on Program Management services for Atkins' clients across Georgia. Henson graduated from Argosy University with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, a master's in project management from DeVry, and a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Shorter University.
Rick Spires, CPA, Partner (Macon), has focused his career on income tax planning and preparation for closely held businesses, with a concentration in real estate, manufacturing, and professional services. Spires received his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting in 2010 and his Master of Accountancy (Macc) in 2012 from Georgia Southern University. He lives in Macon, GA, with his wife, Britney. They welcomed their first child in September of 2023. Charlotte H. Way, CPA, J.D., LLM Taxation, Partner (Macon), serves as the Firm's Tax Counsel and Tax Controversy & Resolution Practice Leader. She has 30 years of experience working with clients to resolve tax issues and disputes at the IRS and state levels. She serves as an internal tax resource to the firm's CPAs. Way received her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and earned her LLM in Taxation from New York University School of Law.
CROY
STANTEC welcomes three new
is excited to announce the addition of David West, PE as a Project Manager for its Municipal Utilities team. Based at Croy's Huntsville office location, West will support clients across northern Alabama and Tennessee while expanding the firm's footprint in markets across the Southeast.
employees to their Atlanta office:
MAULDIN & JENKINS announced five new Georgia-
Nicole Cook, PE, PMP, joins as an Environmental Engineer. She brings one year of prior consulting experience in Stantec's Chicago office and seven years as an Army Engineer Officer to the team. Cook looks forward to expanding her experience in water/wastewater treatment, stormwater management, environmental remediation, and design.
Josh Carroll, CPA, Partner (Atlanta), received his Master of Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia College and State University in 2007. Carroll has focused his career on serving state and local governments. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA), and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA).
Samir Mainali joins as a Civil Engineer - EIT. He recently completed his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Youngstown State University and has three years of consulting experience in buildings, roads, and water supply. Mainali looks forward to expanding his capabilities in pump stations, pipelines, dams, and flood studies.
David West Nicole Cook
based professionals have been appointed to Partner:
Samir Mainali
Jeff Dorris, CPA, Partner (Atlanta), joined the firm in 2019 as the Specialty Tax Practice Leader after spending nearly 12 years working for United Parcel Service (UPS). Dorris specializes in consulting and advisory services in all aspects of state taxation, including property and sales and use tax. Jeff is a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) and the AICPA. He is a member of both the Mauldin & Jenkins' Advisory and Tax Committees Jennifer Miller
Nick Rider, Sr., CPA, Partner (Atlanta), joined the firm in 2015 and is a Partner in the Private Client Services practice. He serves on the GSCPA Board of Directors, Atlanta Angels Board of Directors, Georgia Department of Revenue Commissioner Executive Committee, and is the Chairman of the GSCPA Federal and State Tax Task Force. Rider lives in Fayetteville with his wife Heather and sons Nick Jr. and Lucas. He loves coaching baseball and playing bass at his church.
THOMAS & HUTTON is
pleased to announce the following new hires in its Savannah, Georgia office.
Kristin Ackerman
10 Engineering Georgia
Jennifer Miller joins as a Senior Associate in the Water Business. Her background includes stormwater and watershed management, integrated river basin planning, and environmental permitting. She will work in project delivery and business development roles across Stantec business units.
engineering the pulse [ on gathe [ feature move ]]
Kristin Ackerman joined as a Designer in the Civil Department. Ackerman earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Southern University. She brings previous experience working in the construction
industry as a field and office engineer. As a Designer, her role is to help prepare construction plans, specifications, and reports for water, sewer, road, and storm drainage infrastructure projects throughout southeast Georgia.
Megan Cook
Roni Dos Santos
Corina Fluker
Ashley MacDonald
Rob McCall
With the firm since 2017, Megan Cook passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Civil exam with the Water Resources and Environmental depth examination and satisfied the experience requirements needed to become a PE Megan is an Environmental Designer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Southern University. Roni Dos Santos joined as a 3D Visualization Artist in the Civil Department. Dos Santos began his career after studying building design in high school. He has several years of experience producing 3D renderings and animations for real estate, architecture, and engineering firms in Brazil and the United States. He is a decorated visualization artist recognized for involvement in acclaimed projects by the American Architecture Awards and Architect of The Year Awards. Corina Fluker joined as a Designer in the Environmental Department. Fluker recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a minor in Spanish. Fluker is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Her previous environmental and risk management internship experience will be an asset in her new role. Ashley MacDonald joined as a Designer in the Environmental Department. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, MacDonald obtained her degree in environmental engineering from Clemson University. Before studying at Clemson, she served as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army for five years. Rob McCall joined as a Project Manager in the Transportation Department. McCall joins T&H with over 30 years of experience with the Georgia Department of Transportation and as a private-sector transportation engineer. He served as District Engineer for GDOT District 5, which is comprised of 26 counties in Southeast Georgia. He is well versed in maintenance, traffic operations, construction, and state aid offices of GDOT.
the pulse [ on the move ]
Caitlin Teuton
Alex Umberg
Will Webb
Caitlin Teuton, PLA passed the four-part Landscape Architect Registration Examination, administered by the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards required to become licensed as a Professional Landscape Architect in South Carolina. She is now a licensed PLA in both Georgia and South Carolina. Teuton joined Thomas & Hutton's Savannah Landscape Architecture Department in August 2018. She has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from The University of Georgia. Alex Umberg joined as a Designer in the Transportation Department. Umberg recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. He has previous internship experience in construction materials testing and geotechnical engineering. Umberg also recently became a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Will Webb joined as a Designer in the Civil Department. Webb recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Southern University and was a member of the Honors College. He returns to Thomas & Hutton following an internship in the Civil Department last summer.
VHB
John Classe
welcomes John Classe, PE, as Southeast Regional Development Manager. Classe has a rich perspective on the built environment and the complex challenges facing today's communities. He brings over 35 years of experience to VHB, including real estate development for game-changing projects as an engineering consultant for Celebration and master developer for Baldwin Park in Florida. He's also led influential public and private organizations, including serving as the District Administrator for Reedy Creek Improvement District.
September | October 11
TOP 5 FIVE Five Leadership Resources for Any Stage of Your Career
Top Five is a regular feature in THE PULSE! Top Five explores recommendations for podcasts, books, activities, and more. In this issue, Engineering Georgia explores leadership resources that help you focus on the relationships essential to business success. Whether you’re starting your first job or managing a tough team, these resources for leadership development can help. These are the tools that can help you thrive both personally and professionally. "A BIT OF OPTIMISM WITH SIMON SINEK"
With a focus on leadership, teamwork, and personal development, each podcast episode offers a wealth of valuable advice to help you succeed. Sinek's conversations illuminate how trust and cooperation are foundational in any thriving organization.
"HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE"
by Dale Carnegie: An evergreen classic that delves into the interpersonal skills essential for leaders. Carnegie’s insights on human behavior and building genuine relationships are timeless, offering actionable advice for cultivating meaningful professional connections.
CENTER FOR CREATIVE LEADERSHIP TRAININGS:
Engaging in immersive experiences like retreats or workshops that emphasize team-building and leadership training can offer hands-on skills. Organizations such as the Center for Creative Leadership offer tailored experiences focusing on relationship-building in a leadership context.
12 Engineering Georgia
the pulse [ top 5 ]
"LEADING TEAMS: BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAM CULTURES" ON COURSERA:
Offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this course helps you learn the foundations of team leadership and the art of fostering strong group dynamics. It's an invaluable resource for those aspiring to hone their leadership abilities in team settings.
TRUIST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:
Participants uncover how beliefs influence leadership style and discover how to identify and adopt new behaviors that drive more effective results and success for their teams and organizations. Truist provides ongoing coaching and tools to make sure the changes made stay intact for the long run. Online and in-person experiences are available.
September | October 13
POLITICAL PULSE A Booming Business Landscape: Georgia's Formula for Unprecedented Success CHRISTY TARALLO
F
For the last decade, Georgia has held the prestigious title of “number 1 state for business” by Area Development magazine. With that unprecedented acclaim, it’s little wonder why the state is being selected by major corporations for multi-million—and in the case of some mega-sites, multi-billion—dollar investments. However, the benefits of the state’s favorable regulatory, tax and business environment aren’t exclusive to large corporations; small businesses and families also fare very well in Georgia. In matters such as the overall cost of doing business and business incentive programs, Area Development ranks Georgia number one in the nation. And, while workforce is one of the most pressing issues facing businesses across the state and nation, Georgia’s competitive labor market earned the magazine’s praise for the availability of skilled labor, compared to other states, and the relative ease of access to workforce readiness programs such as the Georgia Quick Start program.
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While Georgia has long been considered a good investment for businesses, economic development in the Peach State has soared over recent years. In Georgia’s last fiscal year, from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, the Georgia Department of Economic Development reported that the total investment by various companies in Georgia was more than an eye-popping $24 billion and resulted in 38,400 new jobs across the state. What’s more, roughly 80% of those investments were made outside of the Metro Atlanta region. The state’s friendly business environment isn’t an accident. Due to the ongoing efforts by the Governor and General Assembly to increase competitiveness in all facets of businesses—that’s coupled with an effort to lower the financial and bureaucratic burdens on individuals and families—the overall cost of living in Georgia is 11.4% lower than the national average. Further, in 2018, the legislature voted to gradually decrease the state’s income tax over several years with an ultimate goal of reaching a flat tax rate of 4.99%, which would make the state’s income tax one of the lowest in the South. On the education side, the state has invested heavily in literacy programs to help alleviate the learning loss some students experienced as a result of the pandemic, better prepare them for a future in the workforce, and increase the overall quality of education. Higher education is also receiving a boost to encourage students to attend in-state universities and colleges. Beginning this year, students utilizing the state’s highly successful HOPE academic scholarship program are once again receiving 100% tuition assistance for the state’s public universities. The culmination of a family-first approach by the General Assembly and recent Governors that emphasizes a business-friendly environment, coupled with conservative budgeting that stresses the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, has played a critical role in Georgia obtaining, and maintaining, a AAA credit rating from all three major credit rating agencies—for a quarter of a century. This budgeting approach, combined with Georgia’s statutory requirement to have a balanced state budget, has resulted in surpluses in
THE CULMINATION OF A FAMILY-FIRST APPROACH BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND RECENT GOVERNORS THAT EMPHASIZES A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT, COUPLED WITH CONSERVATIVE BUDGETING THAT STRESSES THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS, HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN GEORGIA OBTAINING, AND MAINTAINING, A AAA CREDIT RATING FROM ALL THREE MAJOR CREDIT RATING AGENCIES—FOR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY.
engineering [ political gapulse [ feature ] ]
excess of $3 billion dollars in each of the last three fiscal years. In fact, the combined surplus from the last three years totals over $15 billion. The state, in a welcome reprieve for many families facing financial hardship due to inflation, has returned a large portion of that money to taxpayers and property owners in the state. Georgia policymakers, however, are not resting on their laurels. The legislature is constantly looking for solutions that will improve the business environment in meaningful ways that benefit all enterprises, from mom-and-pop businesses in rural Georgia to the state’s largest corporations. This year, the Georgia State Senate has been focused heavily on workforce issues. The Senate is hosting study committee hearings on truck driver shortages, expanding Georgia’s overall workforce, dual enrollment accessibility to create highly skilled talent at younger ages, and reducing burdensome occupational licensing barriers for lower-income professions. Additionally, the House and Senate have been hosting a Joint Tax Credit Review Panel that is tasked with assessing the value of Georgia’s existing tax credits, which many in the business community see as economic development drivers. But economic development, and the addition of over 36,000 jobs in the state, is not without some growing pains. Workforce availability is, by and large, the most prevalent issue facing job creators and providers. Labor availability has been a festering issue for years, made worse by the lingering effects of the 2008 recession and low birth rates. While there is no silver bullet, occupational licensing reform is an area that Georgia can—and must—do better. Despite some areas of needed improvement, Georgia is likely to remain, the #1 state in which to do business. No other state in the nation has seen such unprecedented success over the last several years and has come out on top the way Georgia has, even after a global pandemic. With the legislature’s track record of success, I feel confident that they will continue to work to ensure Georgia is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. A
September | October 15
the pulse
OUT & ABOUT
Kwadwo Atta (City of Atlanta) and Jack Cebe, (Central Atlanta Progress) at Thirsty Fourth Thursday
Kevin Park (Pond), Sydney Thompson (Pond), and Russ Patterson (Southern Lighting Source) at Thirsty Fourth Thursday
Members of SMPS Atlanta at this year’s MEGA Meeting
ACEC Georgia President & CEO, Michael “Sully” Sullivan, and Director of Communication, Brett Hillesheim, work ACEC Georgia’s table at this year’s MEGA Meeting
CERM Legacy Foundation interns help work the CERM activity table at 2023 STEM Day
ACEC Georgia President & CEO, Michael “Sully” Sullivan talks and laughs with John Heath, Heath & Lineback Engineers, a BCC Company, at Thirsty Fourth Thursday with MARTA & City of Atlanta
Children enjoy knocking down structures using a catapult at Thomas & Hutton’s activity table during 2023 STEM Day
MARTA’s Peter Bruno, Irene Velez Londono, and Araya Hodges attend Thirsty Fourth Thursday
Members of HNTB work their activity at 2023 STEM Day
Atlanta City Council President, Doug Shipman speaks with guests at Thirsty Fourth Thursday
The 2023-2024 ACEC Georgia Future Leaders Program Class kicks off their program at Top Golf
ACEC Georgia Board Chair, Rick Brownlow (Jacobs) enjoys working the ACEC Georgia table at 2023 STEM Day
Mike Ramos (Raymond) speaks on a panel regarding AI during this year’s MEGA Meeting
18 Engineering Georgia
the pulse
GEORGIA NUMBERS by the
NO. 1
STATE in which to do
business for a recordbreaking 10th year
38,400
426
NEW economic
development projects supported by the Georgia Department of Economic Development
NEW JOBS
from economic development projects
82%
OF THE NEW JOBS
created are on their way to communities outside the 10-county Atlanta region
324%
JOB CREATION
increase in the automotive industry September | October 19
THE MEGA IMPACT OF MEGASITES Development of shovel-ready industrial tracts bringing thousands of jobs to Georgia DAVID CARAVIELLO
I
Inside of his leather briefcase, Shane Short carried a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne. And when the call came to meet at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) headquarters in Atlanta, he knew that one way or another, the cork was getting popped—either in celebration, or to ease the sting of defeat. When GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson broke the news that electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian had committed to building a $5 billion facility on a 2,000-acre site east of Atlanta, the party was on. The moment was a personal triumph for Short, executive director of the Development Authority of Walton County, and colleague Serra Hall, Executive Director of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, both of whom had long quarterbacked the project. And it was another success for Georgia’s “megasite” initiative—which offers large, shovel-ready parcels for advanced manufacturing facilities, and the thousands of jobs they create. N
20 Engineering Georgia
engineering ga [ feature ]
September | October 21
The Rivian facility, which is in the very early stages of construction, will sit at the intersection of Walton and Newton counties off Interstate 20. The company has pledged to hire 7,500 new employees, Short said. The largest employers in Walton County currently employ just over 1,000 people, he added. “The greatest thing about this project is that 7,500 families are going to receive their primary income from that company,” Short said. “And that's just astounding to me. We have students who have great technical skills and are going through manufacturing pathways at our high schools, and those kids with minimal training will be able to go into a lifetime career without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a four-year college degree. And the salaries are such that we expect that many of our people will be able to have a higher quality of life because of the higher wages that they're going to pay.” Walton County is not alone. Cooperation between state and regional economic development officials, along with a huge assist from Georgia’s engineering industry, also helped make better jobs and wages a reality in Troup County, where Kia employs over 3,000 people on a 2,200-acre site that opened in 2009 and was the vanguard of international car manufacturing in Georgia. And Hyundai and LG Energy Solutions are building a $7.5 billion electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facility on a 3,000-acre megasite in Bryan County, which will create 8,500 jobs when it begins production in 2025. “The Georgia and local development teams are a major reason that our company chose this site,” said Chris Smith, Chief Project Implementation Officer and General Counsel of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. “The public officials in Georgia and the Joint Development Authority have been absolutely outstanding partners. They are very professional, always responsive, and willing to assist our project.” Megasite development has helped supercharge Georgia’s efforts to become a national leader in electric vehicle manufacturing, and has brought thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs to the Peach State. Key to that endeavor are engineers like Ralph Forbes at Thomas and Hutton, who’s been involved in this initiative from the very beginning, literally helping stitch together the Bryan County megasite one piece of land at a time. Engineers coordinate utility and transportation access, figure out how to meet water needs, prepare wetland and environmental assessments, and ultimately “pad out” the site so everything is ready for a manufacturer to move in. “You’re just trying to get it prepped as much as possible,” said Forbes, Thomas and Hutton Vice President, Principal, and Savannah Regional Director for Engineering, Planning, and Design of large tract
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development. “The biggest thing you’re doing is just trying to reduce the risk that anybody may see coming in. Because they don’t want risk—they want to know that when they make a decision to come there, there’s nothing that’s going to cause them any delays or anything like that. That’s what you work on the whole time up front.”
A MATTER OF VALUE, NOT SIZE
While the term certainly sounds definitive, “megasite” does not have a precise definition. “What constitutes a megasite varies by industry, location, and who you ask,” said Kristi Brigman, GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce. Sites deemed “megasites” by the state of Georgia have ranged from 1,100 acres to over 2,000, she added. Some might consider the Jackson County site of SK Battery America a megasite even though it’s less than 1,000 acres, because of the impact the facility has on the surrounding area. “What we look for is the added value the project brings to the community and the state,” Brigman said, “not just the size of its footprint.” And yet, it seems clear that the Troup County home of Kia, the Bryan County home of Hyundai and the Walton County location of Rivian are megasites in every sense of the word, given the billion-dollar sums of those investments and the massive size of their physical footprints. This wave of megasite development in Georgia was designed to attract advanced manufacturers like automakers and the network of suppliers that tend to follow, creating what Brigman called the “generational opportunities” that every state is vying for. The Kia facility alone, she added, supports more than 14,000 jobs. N
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The Troup County megasite was attractive to Kia because it offered frontage along Interstate 85, easy access to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and proximity to the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, said Stuart Countess, Kia Georgia President and CEO. The advance preparation and shovel-ready approach enabled Kia to get up and running quickly—the carmaker broke ground on its site near West Point in October of 2006, and launched production in November of 2009. Countess added that area bank president Drew Ferguson III, then Chairman of the West Point Development Authority, worked with over 20 families on more than three dozen parcels of land to assemble what would ultimately become the Kia site. “Some moved to other properties, other moved entire homes, but they all came to an agreement to do so,” Countess said. “This was a remarkable achievement. In some cases, these were families who had lived on that property for generations.” Over in Walton County, Short can certainly relate. As he assembled the geographic puzzle that would become the East Atlanta Megasite—and ultimately, Rivian’s location in Georgia—he “sat down at kitchen tables with families, some of them who had lived there all their lives on that property, and told them what was going on, that the state of Georgia had a big project, an automobile manufacturer, and we would like to buy their property,” he said. “It was difficult for some of them. They didn't necessarily plan on moving,” Short added. “But they understood the bigger impact for the state of Georgia and this community. And they all agreed to sell their property. That alone was a feat in and of itself.” What won over Rivian? Short said the EV manufacturer, which could ultimately produce 400,000 vehicles per year, liked the trees surrounding the East Atlanta Megasite, and the fact that its impact on natural resources would be minimal compared with other sites it was considering. “In addition to that, the site’s proximity to metro Atlanta, Athens, and even Augusta made it attractive for recruiting a nice workforce,” Short added. “The numbers were high. And then we've got some great universities within an hour of that site that they also could recruit from.” Hyundai considered over 25 sites across the United States, Smith said, and the manufacturer’s selection team visited 13 sites in seven states in January of 2022. (Because of non-disclosure agreements, he was unable to disclose the other sites under consideration.) The Bryan County Megasite offered Hyundai four miles of frontage along Interstate 16, with one existing interchange at Highway 280 and another to be built in a few years. The site also had rail access and was well-positioned to add electricity, natural gas, water and fiber to meet an aggressive construction schedule.
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The local Joint Development Authority representing Bryan, Bulloch, Effingham and Chatham counties “did their homework, and were ready to execute on an accelerated timeline,” Smith added. “They acquired the land beforehand, anticipated the needs from an infrastructure perspective, and worked closely with each other to offer the right incentives. Interestingly, the JDA did not offer the highest incentives—they simply had the best overall package.” The Hyundai facility will be a “smart factory,” meaning it will use artificial intelligence and data to optimize all areas of production. Just one year after announcing plans for the $5.45 EV facility—which will build Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models—Hyundai and LG deepened their commitment to Georgia by investing an additional $2 billion in a joint venture to build EV battery cells. That followed SK Battery’s 2020 announcement that it would expand its Jackson County investment by an additional $940 million, and presaged Kia’s July unveiling of a $200 million expansion to build the electric EV9 in West Point. EV9 production will begin at Kia Georgia in the second quarter of 2024, joining the Telluride, Sorento, Sportage and K5 models made in West Point. Countess sees the expansion as further evidence of Georgia’s commitment to the industry, from Gov. Brian Kemp on down. “Our success, which has included production of more than four million vehicles since November 2009, is an example of what can happen when partnerships develop and then blossom,” he said.
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‘IT WAS A MAD SCRAMBLE’
The big problem, as Ralph Forbes recalls it, was water. All of the initial plans for the Bryan County Megasite focused on a 500-acre site needing one million gallons of water a day—but since EV plants tend to have larger footprints than those manufacturing cars with internal combustion engines, those plans had to be supersized for Hyundai. And since much of coastal Georgia is under a groundwater withdrawal moratorium due to saltwater intruding into the underlying aquifer, Forbes couldn’t just dig wells—he had to find the additional water from somewhere else. The water needs of the surrounding residents added up less than a million gallons of day, Forbes said, and suddenly he needed six million. “We had to come up with a system, a new treatment plant, that could do six million gallons a day,” the Thomas and Hutton engineer said. “And we had to start with something on a temporary basis, because that’s a two- to three-year process. It was a mad scramble to make all that work, and figuring out how to do that was probably the hardest part of the deal.”
five years later performed evaluations on three megasite locations for the state of Georgia, with an eye toward attracting a automobile manufacturer of Hyundai’s size and scope. It doesn’t always go smoothly. At one point distribution centers began eyeing the land that would become the Bryan County Megasite, temping individual landowners to sell, and Forbes and local JDA officials had to make the rounds and urge everyone to be patient until a bigger fish was on the line. Bryan County received also serious interest from Volvo, Forbes said, before the Swedish carmaker ultimately decided to locate near Charleston, S.C. But that experience wasn’t a total loss. “The great thing about those efforts with Volvo was, it allowed us to do a lot of due diligence on the property that hadn't been done—the wetland delineation, a wetland permit, figuring out water and sewer and where it was going to come from, how the rail was going to come in,” Forbes said. “So there was a lot of work done on Volvo to kind of set the stage for things.” It set the stage for Hyundai, and since Thomas and Hutton had been so deeply involved in the site’s development, it had a grading permit to begin work immediately. “Speed to market remains key,” said Brigman, of GDEcD. “… By making the process more efficient, sites become more marketable, helping the Rivians and the Hyundais of the world choose Georgia and get online faster. Many of these companies want to start production yesterday.”
Engineering in many ways is the backbone of megasite development, shepherding the process through every deliberative and complex step. Forbes was among those who met with property owners in 2006 to begin cobbling pieces of the Bryan County Megasite together. Thomas and Hutton began preparing the site for marketing in 2014, and
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All the due diligence and prep work conducted ahead of time by engineers gives Georgia megasites a competitive edge, she added. “We cannot overstate the importance of Georgia’s engineering industry,” Brigman said. “Professionals from any number of disciplines are fundamental to the success of a project from beginning to end. … Engineers from multiple fields are highly involved at every step of the process. Also involved are site selectors and third-party consultants, so this collaborative effort isn’t limited to the private sector.” Thomas and Hutton engineers helped win the Rivian deal, Short said, by showing the EV manufacturer images of other automotive manufacturing facilities in the Southeast, and how they would fit into the footprint of the East Atlanta Megasite. “They showed Rivian how they could potentially fit their building on the property,” Short added. “We had that engineering done well before there was a deal with Rivian. I don't think we would have won any automotive project without the help of Thomas and Hutton.” Forbes feels the same way about help from the state. “You pick up the phone, and you don't get no for an answer,” he said. “It's, ‘Let's figure this out together.’ And if it wasn't for that kind of attitude, we’d never have known if any of this would have worked, whether it was Rivian or Hyundai or whoever it is. And it has a lot to do with Gov. Kemp sitting under that gold dome. He pushes the button, he says, ‘This is what we want to do. This is my goal.’ Nobody's cutting corners or anything like that. It's just the attitude, and it’s tremendous.” N
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Georgia has another megasite currently on the market, a 1,100-acre property in Peach County, and continues to work with engineering and design firms to identity other potential locations. Surrounding states have taken note of Georgia’s highly proactive approach, and the environment has grown more competitive as a result. But the presence of companies like Kia, Hyundai and Rivian on these Peach State megasites is already generating a momentum that’s difficult to ignore. Hall, the Newton County Economic Development Official, sees that much even in her 8-year-old son. “You know,” he recently told his mother, “I could build a truck one day.” Hall smiles. “I'm like, ‘Yes, you could build a truck one day. You could absolutely build one of the coolest trucks in the world right here one day,’” she said. “That, for me, made all the difference in the world. I love Georgia, I went to UGA, I love everything about this community. And being able to offer a small piece of what I know is a quality life for those for generations to come— yeah, riding that wave has been really amazing.” A
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REIMAGINING ATLANTA The BeltLine's Visionary Blueprint for an Inclusive Future
ZAWN VILLINES
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The Atlanta BeltLine is now an integral part of life inside the perimeter. It’s Atlanta’s most ambitious development project and a model for cities nationwide. But it started as a master’s thesis highlighting a dream for a more inclusive future for the City. Atlanta is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the cradle of much of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Despite this, inequality remains. Atlanta has the highest income inequality among large cities. In 1999, Ryan Gravel, then a Georgia Tech master’s student, published a thesis proposing a novel idea: that our urban landscape and the design that underlies it, is a major driver of inequality. Gravel argued that infrastructure both reflects and drives public policy. According to Gravel, the separation of land uses drives income inequality, ensures that lowerincome communities benefit less from infrastructure investment, disincentivizes investment in low-income communities, and locks struggling businesses and individuals out of the wealth of surrounding communities.
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Connecting districts in the city, ending the divide between commercial and residential, have and have-not, might reverse this trend. Gravel’s idea could also help solve another problem: increasing congestion thanks to massive sprawl.
Cathy Woolard, former president of the Atlanta City Council, was an early champion for the project, working closely with activists to make it a reality. And in 2005, the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership came together to form a 25-year plan for the project.
Atlanta began as Terminus—a city designed around railroads. When Gravel wrote his thesis, commute times increased, with limited access to quality public transit.
In the intervening years, the BeltLine has spurred nearly $9 billion dollars in economic development, 24,200 permanent jobs, and 62,680 construction jobs.
Gravel envisioned a 22-mile circle around Atlanta, using abandoned or underutilized railways. The idea sat on a shelf for a few years, but in the early 2000s began to gain support from environmentalists, anti-inequality activists, business leaders, and government officials.
The BeltLine represents the birth of a grassroots idea and has made a highly ambitious plan for radically re-envisioning city life a reality. The BeltLine is more than just a system of trails and parks. It’s a driver of construction and engineering innovation. Homes, small businesses, and large corporations may now occupy the same buildings, with a patchwork of grants helping to support lower income occupants. N
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“We are tackling some of the toughest challenges facing all big cities–affordable housing, jobs and job training, income inequality, access to alternate transportation methods and greenspace,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of the Atlanta BeltLine. “We’re the hub for a regional transit system. The BeltLine is connecting 45 neighborhoods historically divided by race, class, railroads, highways. We’re righting these historic wrongs by creating ‘whole communities’ where everyone can live, work, start a business, buy groceries, see a doctor, walk, ride a bike, and eventually take transit. The BeltLine holds a special kind of magic, one that taps into our highest collective aspirations, sparks belief in our city, in ourselves, in each other and in our communities to connect the city, culture and commerce.” Higgs emphasized that the BeltLine is more than just a sidewalk or a system of trails. It’s an entirely new approach to life and commerce in Atlanta. Engineering firms are seizing upon the myriad of opportunities the BeltLine offers, including the following projects. N
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TRAILS AND PARKS
The BeltLine’s 22-mile network of trails and parks is its signature project, uniting everything else the BeltLine offers. This network will be 80% complete in the next two years. Art installations featuring established and new artists figure prominently along the trails, including some enormous murals. Free outdoor art exhibitions spring up throughout the year. The BeltLine has partnered with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, and the Atlanta Opera to offer art events and performances. “Arts and culture has also become a distinctive part of the BeltLine experience. Our year-round exhibition –Art on the Atlanta BeltLine –is the only one of its kind in the south, with murals, performances, parades, musical acts, and special exhibitions that bring the gallery experience out into the public – and all for free,” Higgs added.
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Visitors can enjoy walking or bicycle tours, or join one of many fitness-oriented organizations. The Atlanta Track Club and BeltLine have partnered to offer a free Thursday night run club, and there are free fitness classes throughout the year. Numerous projects are underway to improve and complete the network of parks and trails, including: • Segment 2 of the Northeast Trail: This will ultimately be 1.2 miles long. A portion is currently open, but another section is closed during construction. • Segment 3 and connectors trails of Northside Trail: This section of 2.4 miles extends from Buford Highway to the Lindbergh MARTA Station. It includes a connection with the PATH400 trail, as well as public street access points. • Segments 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Southside Trail: This large project extends over three miles from the paved trail at Pittsburgh Yards to the unpaved Southside Trail. The current project includes storm drainage, signage, bridge improvements and replacements, planter installation, and additional lighting. • Boulevard Crossing Park: The five-acre Boulevard Park first opened in 2011. Phase two of the design includes an additional five acres of the ultimate 25-acre park design. This phase will also connect to the Southside Trail. N September | October 35
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2022 was a banner year, bringing the network of trails significantly closer to completion. “For the first time [in 2022], we solidified the prioritized alignments for the full loop, including in the complex northwest quadrant where there isn’t a pre-existing railroad corridor. With new funding sources, we have line of sight to complete the multi-use trail by the end of 2030. In fact, by the end of 2024, we’ll have 80 percent of the 22-mile mainline trail loop complete or under construction! In 2022, we opened a segment of the Westside Trail and went into construction on a segment of the Northeast Trail–while simultaneously advancing work in all quadrants of the BeltLine,” said Higgs.
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
The BeltLine project includes numerous improvements to streets throughout Atlanta. These projects aim to reduce congestion, promote greater walkability, and improve pedestrian safety. The Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Streetscape Project, for example, covers a stretch of road approximately 800 feet, running between East Ontario Avenue and Willard Avenue. The project includes new pedestrian lighting, street trees and other landscaping, new crosswalk lamps, and parking protected bicycle lanes. N
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Another streetscaping project focuses on Ponce de Leon Avenue extending from Boulevard/Monroe Drive to Freedom Parkway. Funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grand program, the project endeavors to reduce vehicle emissions. It will include installing sidewalks, lighting, and a ramp to the BeltLine’s Eastside trail, as well as extending bike lanes and raised center medians. The project covers a total of 0.68 miles.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Atlanta BeltLine houses 15 business associations and a Community Improvement Districts (CID). At the end of 2020, the BeltLine had attracted more than $8.2 billion in private development. The BeltLine continues to attract the attention of developers and commercial real estate via its favorable tax structuring and incentive programs. The BeltLine has helped spur a boom of mixed-use developments, bringing together residential and commercial real estate. Small, local businesses and larger corporations come together in the same space. This directly counteracts the fragmentation that, in his 1999 thesis, Gravel believed drives inequality. The BeltLine also boasts a number of programs to foster more inclusive economic development. Research consistently finds that access to capital, resources, expertise, and commercial spaces are among the biggest barriers Black entrepreneurs face. The BeltLine MarketPlace project endeavors to remove these barriers. Thanks to a $750,000 Kendeda Fund grant, the BeltLine is absorbing the cost of commercial spaces for up to six small local businesses, offering storefronts directly on the trail. The program targets minority business owners, offering up to $40,000 in support. Announced last summer, the six participants in the pilot program will get help and coaching to build their companies. They include: • Cococakes by Coco, offering custom cake slices. • Good As Burgers, a vegan burger joint. • Grady Baby, which sells Atlanta-centric apparel, including the iconic “We Full” t-shirt. • Life Bistro, a vegan restaurant serving comfort food. • PinkPothos, offering custom fabric plant pots. • Urban Grind, a coffeehouse that endeavors to offer a deeper sense of community. The BeltLine Indie Market, open the second Saturday of each month, extends further opportunities to small business owners. N
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Atlanta housing boom has been great for construction and architectural firms, developers, and many engineering firms. It has also accelerated income inequality, and put even a small home out of reach for many. Between 2000 and 2017, Atlanta’s median rent increased 70%, while median incomes increased by only 48%. Atlanta renters now pay an average of $1,770 for a one-bedroom apartment—up more than $300 from 2019 figures, and nearly double 2009’s average of $895. Nearly 10% of homes for rent are currently vacant. The BeltLine incentivizes developers to build affordable housing, offers resources to residents, that relies on grants to build more affordable housing. This includes apartments, houses, and town homes, as well as renters and homeowners. For example, a $1.17 million grant from the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD) will fund 29 affordable townhomes at the Avenue at Oakland City Development. The project is now 56% of the way toward its goal of creating or preserving 5,600 affordable housing units. Economic development can improve quality of life, including low-income areas. But it can also price legacy residents out. Atlanta’s neighborhoods each boast their own individual culture. When residents who built that culture are forced out, Atlanta loses much of its character. The very thing that attracts residents to various neighborhoods slowly disappears. In addition to creating new affordable housing, the BeltLine provides a program to help long-term residents stay in their homes. The Legacy Resident Retention Program offers help with property tax bills through 2030. The BeltLine offers an affordable housing search tool for residents interested in moving to the area. N
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TRANSIT
The city that began its life as a transportation hub is now one of the most congested cities in the nation, with long and dangerous commutes that erode quality of life. Improved transit options are core to the BeltLine’s vision, and building or improving transit strategies will continue to drive engineering innovation and new construction. Change takes time, though, and much of the project is still in the planning phase.
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In 2016, Atlanta voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of a sales tax levy to expand transit via the More MARTA plan. This includes the Streetcar East Extension and another BeltLine Rail. The BeltLine envisions a light rail transit system connecting much of the city, and studies point to its feasibility. The planned light rail corridor will draw upon the aesthetic and ethos of the BeltLine trails, featuring landscaping and art, as well as safe access points to cross. The ultimate goal is a transit system that fits seamlessly into the trail system and its surrounding neighborhoods. N
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SUSTAINABILITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
The notion that thoughtful land use can transform public spaces and promote equity gave birth to the BeltLine. Historically, large construction projects have accelerated inequality rather than tackling it. So strategies for equity and inclusion, as well as sustainable development, are critical to the project’s design and goals. “With 22 miles of multi-use trail to build and even more spur trails, streetscapes, parks, and transit planning, we work with a wide range of firms in Atlanta,” Higgs said. “We post solicitations to beltline.org/procurement. We host events to introduce vendors to potential opportunities and to give space for prime contractors and subs to meet one another and explore partnerships. We have a laser focus on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises with the goal of giving all businesses equal access to opportunity.” The BeltLine Equitable Development Plan prioritizes the following goals: • Building business and job opportunities through economic development. • Reducing displacement of legacy residents. • Leveraging economic development to stabilize neighborhoods. • Encouraging community participation in the development of the project. • Preserving and enhancing surrounding neighborhoods’ unique cultures. • Capitalizing on existing economic, social, and environmental neighborhood assets to promote sustainability, competition, and community connection. “I like to call the Atlanta BeltLine the People’s Project,” said Higgs. Since the very beginning, engaging with communities around the corridor has been a cornerstone of our work. We do that through frequent public meetings on each design and construction project and each programmatic area; through pop-ups in neighborhoods; through door-to-door visits; through digital outlets and paper mailers; through social media; through traditional media; and more. In 2022, the Community Planning and Engagement team hosted 24 meetings with 1,962 attendees. They also attended 38 external meetings to give BeltLine updates and receive feedback. We also host quarterly briefings that are broadcast via Zoom and in person, giving many ways for people to engage with us.” In June 2023, the BeltLine passed its largest ever budget--$153.6 million. This includes the most funding the project has ever allocated to trail updates and affordable housing. The BeltLine continues to sprint closer to its ultimate goals, all while setting progressively more ambitious benchmarks. A
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CLYDE HIGGS
Steering The Atlanta BeltLine to an Inclusive Future
BRETT HILLESHEIM
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From North Carolina to Georgia, Clyde Higgs’ name resonates with urban transformation. As the President & CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI), Higgs holds the reins to one of the most revolutionary urban development projects in America, the Atlanta BeltLine. With his vast experience in the realms of economic development, real estate, and technology, Higgs is no stranger to challenges, innovation, and transformative change. Having steered the ship of the North Carolina Research Campus earlier in his career, Higgs implemented tech-driven strategies to revive Kannapolis, a town once thriving on textiles. Here, Higgs showcased his ability to knit strong collaborations with local governments, educational institutions, and the larger community. N
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Today, the Atlanta BeltLine is the canvas upon which Higgs continues his legacy of urban innovation. Stretching across 22 miles of historic railroad tracts, the BeltLine brings together parks, trails, transit options, and affordable housing, bridging gaps between neighborhoods and fostering economic growth. When asked why an equitable, inclusive, and
We have brought the job creation component of the BeltLine into sharper focus.
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sustainable BeltLine is vital to Atlanta’s success, Higgs said, "The BeltLine is taking on and fixing some of the toughest challenges facing all big cities. It doesn’t work if people are left out or can’t thrive in their homes or businesses." The BeltLine’s vision under Higgs isn't just about infrastructure. It’s about connectivity, opportunity, and improved quality of life for every Atlantan. To Higgs, transit is more than just movement; it's the very lifeblood of the city. “Transit is at the heart of the BeltLine vision,” Higgs states, seeing it as a vital link connecting people with jobs, healthcare, and education. Higgs’ journey with the BeltLine has seen its evolution. “We have brought the job creation component of the BeltLine into sharper focus. N
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There have been nearly 25,000 jobs created near the BeltLine. At the end of the day, the BeltLine is one of the City’s most important economic development programs. It has morphed into a project that is now globally significant,” he reflects, emphasizing the project's worldwide impact. His experiences in unique redevelopment projects earlier in his career paved the path for his role at ABI. As Higgs puts it, “Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been involved in trailblazing, non-traditional redevelopment projects since the beginning of my career. The BeltLine was a natural fit.”
Having a great team should always be the key to any leader’s management philosophy.
But leadership, as Higgs sees it, is not just about the big picture; it’s about people. “Having a great team should always be the key to any leader’s management philosophy. There are some great people that help push the BeltLine project.” Describing his management style, he says, "My management style is always focused on innovation and people, especially their well-being." For him, the essence of good leadership is grounded in listening and a genuine passion for one's work.
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To those aspiring for leadership, Higgs’ advice is simple yet profound: "Pursue what you are passionate about and find a way to be of service to others." But Higgs cautions that the same passion can make work-life balance difficult. “Work passion can be all-consuming.” He suggests prioritizing friends and family for a better harmony between work and personal lives. Higgs’ dedication to urban redevelopment goes beyond mere projects. At the heart of all his endeavors is a mission – "to complete this legacy project for the benefit of all residents in Atlanta." It's about genuine transformation, bridging communities, and creating spaces that reflect inclusivity and opportunity. From rejuvenating a textile town in North Carolina to spearheading the Atlanta BeltLine's globally significant mission, Higgs has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership.
Engineering Georgia spoke with Higgs to gain insights into the Atlanta BeltLine leader, explore his favorite aspects of Atlanta, and delve deeper into the BeltLine project. N
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10 QUESTIONS WITH CLYDE HIGGS
1 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ATLANTA? I truly love Atlanta’s rich history and diversity.
2 WHAT’S ONE ATLANTA PROJECT, THAT’S NOT BELTLINERELATED, THAT YOU’RE MOST EXCITED FOR? The projects that have great promise outside of the BeltLine include The Stitch, Russell Center, Rowan Innovation District, and the Midtown Connector Park.
3 WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? Outside of enjoying the BeltLine, I love to travel and to catch live music events.
7 WHAT IS THE BELTLINE’S GREATEST CHALLENGE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME? One of our greatest challenges is creating prosperity for all neighborhoods without displacing long-term residents.
8 HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC EFFECTED THE BELTLINE? The pandemic was a revelation for us. The number of notes and emails that we received from people stating that the BeltLine “saved their lives and mental wellbeing” was eye-opening.
9 WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE BELTLINE?
The Fox Theater, Rock Steady, The James Room, and the Atlanta History Center.
The Metro Atlanta region is projected to add almost 3 million new people by 2050. I’m most excited about the BeltLine’s ability to offer people options to access key amenities and quality-of-life features without having to get in a personal vehicle.
5 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BOOK OR PODCAST ON LEADERSHIP?
q WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SO FAR DURING YOUR TIME AT THE BELTLINE?
One of my favorites is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
I’m proud of a number of items, but we have an amazing team who works every day on keeping the promise to finish the trail for all BeltLine communities. I’m also proud of the fact that we have raised nearly $400 million for the Beltline in the last 30 months. A
4 WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES IN ATL?
6 WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A POTENTIAL NEW HIRE? My management style is always focused on hiring exceptional people. I’d take an A+ team over an A+ product every day. We are blessed to have both with the BeltLine.
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David Glassman serves as Section Board liaison for our Branches led by Lauren Davenport (Thomas & Hutton |Savannah Branch), Dr. Stephan Durham (UGA | Northeast Georgia), Bobby Sauer (Georgia EPD | South Metro Branch), and Lisa Woods (Arcadis | South Georgia). Les White serves as Section Board liaison for Technical Institutes led by Danny Brahang (ABE| Geo-Institute), Brian Hill (WSJ | Structural Engineering Institute), and Caroline Smith (GAWP | Environmental & Water Resources Institute). Les and David work will also collaborate with Anita and Jeffrey, ensuring the Section provides our Branches and Technical Institute access to Society benefits. Internal Director: David Glassman (KCI) | Technical Director: Les White (CemexUSA)
JOHN PIERSON, P.E., F. ASCE Pierson Enterprises ASCE Georgia President www.ascega.org
NEW STRATEGIC PLAN AT WORK Under Past President Julie Secrist’s leadership, the Georgia Section was named Outstanding ASCE Large Section. We also received the first awarding of the MOSAIC JEDI Award for leadership in Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity. I mentioned those accolades in my last highlight, but I can’t boast enough about the team I inherited so here’s a second pat-on-the-back. So what’s next? Luckily, we also just renewed updated our Strategic Plan, so we have a clear vision for empowering civil engineers to create a better Georgia.
MOVING INTO 2023-24 – OUR SECTION LEADERS With ASCE Society support, the Georgia Section is striving for a more seamless connection between our activities. Our members, Georgia Engineering Alliance colleagues, and the public know us through our Monthly Section Luncheon, our Branches, Technical Institutes, and Young Members, K-12 Outreach, and the ASCE Report Card. We are working so that the Georgia Section website and Society communications enable our vision to empower members. Anita Atkinson leads our efforts to provide timely Monthly Section Luncheon speakers identified by partnering with Jeffrey Chiu, our Membership Committee lead. Together, Anita and Jeff will engage members to ensure we have the right blend of technical content and discussions. President-Elect: Anita Atkinson (P&D Engineers) Vice President: Jeffrey Chiu (Lowe Engineers)
Keith Cole serves as Section Board liaison for Student Chapters at Georgia Tech, UGA, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, Savannah State, and Mercer University. Katie Kelly serves as the Young Members liaison for the Section Board. We recognize the future of ASCE officially starts with our Student Chapters and is most vibrant as college student become young members. Keith and Katie lead our Section keys to success. Student Chapter Director: Keith Cole (Ramboll) | Young Members Director: Katie Kelly (Arcadis) Richard Curtis serves as External Director with a focus on Section Public Relations, particularly K-12 Outreach. With Jennifer Young (Dewberry), he leads our partnership with ACEC Georgia to fill the future pipeline needed for the built environment. Julie Secrist serves as Past President, leading both our Nominating Committee and our 2024 ASCE Report Card effort. Look for more news coming soon. External Director: Richard Curtis (Terracon) | Past President: Julie Secrist (Red Stone Group) Stefka Vacheva serves as Secretary and Raj Anand serves as Treasurer. Stefka leads the Section History and Heritage Committee while Raj leads Section finances as we work to provide access to leadership training and benefits for our members. Secretary: Stefka Vacheva (H&L Engineers) | Treasurer: Raj Anand (H&L Engineers) Connect with us at ascega.org to create a better Georgia.
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RECAP OF ANNUAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT
SARAH BLACKBURN, PE
We held our annual bowling tournament on August 31st. Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers for making the event another huge success! A big congratulations to all division champions! Interstate Division: On-Line Locating Services Highway Division: NV5 Local Roads Division: Heath & Lineback Engineers Driveway Division: Jacobs Engineering
Gresham, Smith and Partners ASHE Georgia President www.georgia.ashe.pro
RECAP OF JULY HAPPY HOUR The July Happy Hour was held at Variant Brewing on July 27th. It was a great chance to unwind and to network with your favorite industry peers. Thank you to all who came out and to ACPA for sponsoring the first round!
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS At our September Luncheon, we awarded the Jim McGee scholarship. Congratulations to Sarah Cook and congratulations to the runners up Brianna Saez and Connor Labrecque (not pictured)!
UPCOMING EVENTS • Summit Happy Hour • Holiday Party
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September | October 57
GAITE OUTSTANDING SECTION OF THE YEAR AWARD
ROBINSON NICOL, PE, PTOE Atlas GAITE President president@gaite.org www.gaite.org
THIS HAS BEEN AN EXCITING TIME FOR GAITE as we were recognized and awarded with Outstanding Section of the Year at the 2023 International ITE Conference in Portland, OR. This makes Georgia’s 8th ITE Outstanding Section Award win, by far the most of any Section (NC and Florida both have four as the next highest number of wins). It is a great recognition and reassurance for how great an organization we have and the dedicated membership and leadership over the years. Let’s keep rolling! In August, we held a joint meeting with ITS Georgia and ALSITE at the Kia assembly plant in West Point, GA. The meeting was well attended and we had an insightful panel discussion involving leaders from different disciplines in Kia Georgia. It also included an option to take a tour of the plant and see the vehicle manufacturing assembly line. Thanks to our partner organizations for collaborating with us to host such an exciting event! Following the success of our joint meeting with ITS Georgia, we had a joint ITE/ITS outing to the Braves game where they defeated St. Louis (sorry Rashad!). We had a tailgate beforehand and over 35 attendees. Thanks to Madison Dorminey and Nate Prath for planning this event! Nomination season has arrived. The Georgia Section annual awards are listed on the website and nomination form is available at gaite.org/awards. Also, applications are now being accepted for 2023 ITE Transportation Engineering Scholarships so please encourage students to apply at gaite.org/scholarship. These awards and scholarships will be presented at our Annual Meeting that will be held on Friday, December 15th at Maggiano’s Cumberland. 58 Engineering Georgia
AUGUST JOINT MEETING AT KIA PLANT
VIEW FROM THE SEATS AT TRUIST PARK Looking forward, we have a busy calendar. Our September Monthly Meeting which features our Young Member spotlight is scheduled for Thursday, September 21. Our Technical Committee is hosting a Technical Challenge which will include cash prizes and an invitation to present at Winter Workshop in March 2024. Our annual golf tournament is scheduled for October 9th and will be held at Smoke Rise Country Club. Finally, we are hosting the 2nd Annual Marr Traffic Grand Prix operation and safety training event, which after much success last year will be held again at K1 Speed in Duluth, GA on October 13th. If you would like to be a part of Georgia ITE, please see our website at: gaite.org/join.php on information on how to join. When you join ITE international you are automatically added as a member of your local section. Members receive discounts on our monthly meetings and events and have the opportunity to serve on our various committees. association [ news ]
GAITE/ITSGA JOINT SOCIAL EVENT AT BRAVES
CAPT JOHN PRIEN, CEC, USN (RET) The Clorox Company GEF President john.prien@clorox.com www.gefinc.org
WHO IS GEF? For 51 years, the Georgia Engineering Foundation (GEF) has sponsored a program that awards college scholarships to worthy Georgia students who are preparing for a career in engineering or engineering technology. Since 1985, nearly 900 students have been awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 each. GEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible.
CONTACT GEF
ORGANIZATION SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP Join top firms and technical societies as we secure the future of engineering in Georgia. Scholarships are competitively awarded based on the student’s demonstrated competence in academics, interest in developing a career in engineering, financial need, and school and community involvement. You may choose the criteria for your organization’s scholarship. The scholarship application period is open August through October 2023 and scholarships will be awarded February 2023. __________________________________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION BENEFITS Reputation Enhance your organization’s reputation for investing in Georgia’s engineers. Financial support empowers students to pursue their passions and helps reduce the burden of the ever-growing cost of higher education. Meet the Top Talent Attend our scholarship event and meet Georgia’s future engineers and your scholarship recipient.
PRESIDENT John Prien 770-380-3518
Firm Recognition & Publicity Introduce your organization to future interns and engineers. Engineering students become familiar with your organization as your firm/society name is advertised on the website and event documentation. __________________________________________________________________________
WEBSITE https://gefinc.org/
JOIN IN
EMAIL president@gefinc.org
□ Fund an Endowment for $10,000 – currently over $1M!
CY 2023 STATS
□ Provide an annual scholarship of $5000
Awarded 56 scholarships between $1,000 to $5,000 each and a record $100,000 in total to students from:
□ Provide an annual scholarship of $2500
• GT • UGA • GSU • KSU • Mercer • Savannah State
□ Sponsor the scholarship event (any amount) $________
□ Provide an annual scholarship of (min $1000) $______
□ Volunteer. We need help on the board, interviewing students and helping shape the future of GEF
ENGINEERING STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP TO FUEL GEORGIA’S FUTURE!
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September | October 59
MITCH PAULK, PE, PLS GSPE President mitch.paulk@land.engineering www.gspe.org Georgia Society of Professional Engineers kicked off their fall programming calendar this week with three chapter events throughout the state. On Monday, September 11, the Atlanta Metro Chapter organized an insightful panel discussion titled, “Terrorism Changed Everything”. This engaging event was skillfully moderated by board member Roger Grabman, PE and featured distinguished panelists: Ed Carlsen, PE, a retired Distribution Management Systems Manager for Georgia Power Company; Andy Green, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Information Security and Assurance for Kennesaw State University, Department of Information Systems and Security; and John Gonzalez, PE, SE, a seasoned Structural Engineer at 4P Consulting Inc. With an attentive audience of over 25 participants, the panelists shared their invaluable insights into the profound changes that have occurred in the engineering landscape in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy.
On Tuesday, September 12, the Northwest Georgia chapter hosted a captivating tour of the historic Battey State Hospital Site. Under the expert guidance of Missy Kendrick, President/CEO of the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority, participants had the opportunity to explore the expansive 132-acre complex, which was originally constructed in 1943 and served various purposes, including a tuberculosis sanatorium and later a mental health facility. Jeff Hampton, PE, a board member who played a pivotal role in organizing this event, shared noteworthy updates. He revealed that the Economic Development Authority has recently acquired the property with a vision to transform it into an industrial park in the future. This ambitious project entails the demolition of numerous buildings (a total of 145!) and necessitates comprehensive environmental remediation efforts on the site.
On Wednesday, September 13th, the Cobb Chapter of GSPE gathered for their monthly meeting, which took place at the Kennesaw State University South Campus. The audience was diverse, including several enthusiastic students. Dr. T Detchprohm, a Senior Research Engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, took the stage to discuss his groundbreaking research on Optoelectronic Semiconductors. These semiconductors serve as the technological foundation for cutting-edge applications such as 3D imaging and facial recognition programs, the very technologies that power our smartphones. Pat Evans, PE, who attended the event, expressed his enthusiasm, noting that the presentation was exceptionally engaging. The topic sparked a lively discussion, with numerous attendees posing insightful questions to the presenter. Find out more about this and future GSPE events at gspe.org/events
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Facebook.com/gspeorg
Linkedin.com/company/Georgia-society-of-professional-engineers
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GSPE.ORG | TO JOIN VISIT NSPE.ORG/MEMBERSHIP/JOIN-NOW
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www.youtube.com/GSPEng
MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL VENDOR COMMUNITY PRESENT ON RECENT TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENTS IN THE SOUTHWEST
THOMAS GLUECKERT, PE, PTOE Kimley-Horn ITS Georgia President itsgachapter@gmail.com www.itsga.org
ITS GEORGIA WELCOMES THE FALL IN JEKYLL ISLAND ITS Georgia welcomed the end of summer and beginning of fall in Jekyll Island this year for our 2023 Annual Meeting! Attendees from across the state gathered to share their experience with one another, network with friends both old and new, and spend time thinking about the past, present, and future of ITS design and deployment. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new peers and future partners, learn from some of the best in the business, and enjoy some much needed down time away from the office! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend in person and virtually, your presence and engagement makes all the work leading up to the meeting worth it. A special thanks to our Annual Meeting Planning Committee, chaired by Holly Painter (KCI). We were blessed to have such a capable team this year including the Technical Chair, Gautam Mistry (Arcadis), Registration Chair, Matt Glasser (Arcadis), Sponsorship Chair, Emily Dwyer (GDOT), A/V Chair, Ken Keena (Gwinnett County), Exhibitor Chair, Yancy Bachmann (Arcadis), and Networking Chair, Madison Dorminey (AECOM). Of course, we couldn’t do all of this without website and registration support from Board Member Whitney Nottage (QFree) and our Treasurer, Mahesh Atluri (HNTB). We look forward to welcoming you all to our 2024 Annual Meeting which will take place September 15 – September 15 at the Crowne Plaza in North Augusta.
MODERATOR, SAM HARRIS, DISCUSSES CURRENT TRENDS WITH KIA PANELISTS
DANIEL STUDDARD PRESENTS ON FREIGHT LOGISTICS
Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers with an incredible trip down to West Point Georgia to tour the Kia manufacturing plant and learn about how they are streamlining vehicle production in Georgia and addressing the logistic and freight challenges that come with just in time manufacturing. Thank you to all of our speakers and volunteers for putting together some great presentations and bringing this engaging content to our members. It wouldn’t be summer without socials! ITS Georgia members got together this summer to network and enjoy the beautiful weather! In March we hosted our first March Madness bracket with Madison Dorminey (AECOM) taking home first place and a brand-new Oculus Quest 2. In June, we got together at Top Golf to work on our swings and challenge one another for the high score! And in September we partnered with the Georgia Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and enjoyed a Braves win against the Cardinals at Truist Park. Thanks to everyone who was able to join us at these events to share in the fun!
ITS GEORGIA STAYED CONNECTED IN THE SUMMER ITS Georgia stayed busy and remained connected to our membership and partner organizations this summer. In May we were joined by Roberto Perez (Atkins) and Maty Thumaty (SEI) to discuss the Georgia Statewide Traffic Incident Management Service (STIMS) and discuss the pilot programs they have active. In June, we hosted Daniel Studdard (Atlanta Regional Commission) who caught us up on freight logistic trends in Georgia, the 2024 Atlanta Regional Commission Freight Mobility Plan and Local Freight Cluster Plans. In July, we learned about exciting new ITS technologies that are being deployed by some of our local vendors including Utilicom, Temple, and 360 Network Solutions. And we capped the summer off with a joint meeting with the Georgia
MEMBERS OF ITSGA ENJOYING THE WEATHER AND IMPROVING THEIR SWING AT TOP GOLF
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MEMBERS OF THE ITSGA AND GAITE COMMUNITY READY FOR THE FIRST PITCH AT THE BRAVES GAME
September | October 61
Atlanta Post MICHAEL RAMOS RAYMOND SAME Atlanta Post President mike.ramos@raymondllc.com www.sameatlantapost.org
SERVING TOGETHER, DELIVERING THE POST VISION AND FULFILLING THE MISSION OF THE SOCIETY The SAME Atlanta Post has been busy this summer! Since June, we’ve held three highly successful programs to continue our core mission of support the A/E/C industry, enable networking, and offer development opportunities to our members. Last month, the Post was especially active. Our Small Business Program was anchored by the South Atlantic Division (USACE) and aimed to help small businesses understand, strategize, and respond to Sources Sought notifications for federal contracting. As a highly used and valuable contracting tool, our panel of experts provided unique insights and provided Q&A to help those newer to the federal market understand how contracting works and why Sources Sought are important. I’d like to thank Jacobs for hosting this fantastic event. Further, I’d like to highlight the Post’s first annual 5K event! Christian Ward and his team of volunteers did a fantastic job organizing and running this event, which saw strong participation from our members, and will likely be a new calendar event every year moving forward. All proceeds go to the SAME Atlanta Post scholarship fund, which helps support graduating high schoolers and current college students.
UPCOMING EVENTS You’re invited to join us at one of our
upcoming events! Visit our website for more information and register.
This month, our Post partnered with SMPS and several other Atlanta industry organizations to host the fall MEGA meetings. This year’s topic was Artificial Intelligence’s potential impact on the A/E/C industry, with a panel of experts weighing in. The panel was well received and provided key insights, advice, and general information on how to prepare for this coming shift in how the industry may operate in the near-, mid-, and long-term. Coming up next month, the Post will be involved in many of the regional and national events for SAME. The JETS Conference is scheduled for October 10th – 11th in Panama City, Fl, with the Industry Days for the Huntsville and Mobile USACE districts being the following two weeks, respectively. Finally, the SAME Small Business Conference is right around the corner the week of October 30th in San Antonio, TX. The Post will be hosting our first annual SBC Networking Event at The Alamo – I hope to see all of our members there! Finally, should you have interest in getting involved with the Atlanta Post, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. We are always looking for our future leaders, both in Atlanta and within SAME’s National ranks
OCTOBER:
Huntsville Industry Day Mobile Industry Day Georgia Tech Tailgating (tentative) NOVEMBER: SAME Small Business Conference DECEMBER: Atlanta Post Holiday Party
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAME & CONNECT WITH US! sameatlantapost.org
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CHRIS LYTLE Uzun & Case Engineers, LLC SEAOG President www.seaog.org
EVENT RECAP: AUGUST SUMMER SOCIAL Our August Summer Social, held at Wild Leap Brewing, was well attended with over 30 SEAOG members. Chris Murphy, of Stability Engineering, led the group on an interesting walking tour of the Centennial Yards South adaptive re-use project site at the former Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern Headquarters in downtown Atlanta. The tour also included some behind the scenes areas that are not accessible to the general public. SEAOG appreciates the Centennial Yards Company for arranging the access for the tour.
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE NCSEA NATIONAL SUMMIT?
CALL FOR AWARDS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
SEAOG is offering up to (3) - $500 merit-based scholarships to members whose attendance at the summit will directly benefit the organization. If you are interested in being considered, please complete the form by September 30, 2023.
SEAOG is preparing to host its biennial Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) awards ceremony next year and is actively seeking committee volunteers. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the larger engineering community, and any help or availability is appreciated! If you are interested in participating, or would like to know more, please reach out to the board at seaofga@gmail.com.
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September | October 63
MICHELE REDMOND HOLCOMBE SMPS President Michele@foundationtechnologies.com www.smpsatl.org
NEW BOD ANNOUNCEMENT
AWARDS PROGRAM WINNERS
SMPS Atlanta is proud to announce our 2023-2024 Board of Directors! We are already hard at work planning another eventful and successful year for our members and community.
Please join us in congratulating our 2023 awards program winners that were presented with their awards at last week’s Year End Finale event: Mandy Vongsiraksa, CDH Partners (Rising Star) Eric Keens, CPSM, Burns & McDonnell (Pacesetter) Molly Patel (Miller), Eberly & Associates (Pacesetter) The Rising Star Award is presented to a member who is new to the chapter and/or the industry, and who, through their achievements to date, has demonstrated great potential as an A/E/C Marketer/Business Developer. The Pacesetter Award is presented to a member who has been involved with the chapter for over three years, and who, through their achievements, has demonstrated that they are a consummate A/E/C Marketer/Business Developer.
ROCKSTAR COMMITTEE MEMBER WINNERS MEGAN KOPACKO, SSOE – President ANGEL JONES, CPSM, SLS Consulting – President-Elect MICHELE REDMOND HOLCOMBE, Foundation Technologies, Inc. – Immediate Past President CECILIA ARANGO, CPSM, Thomas & Hutton – Secretary
At our Year End Finale event, we recognized the Rockstar Committee Members who have gone above and beyond in contributing their time, talents, and hard work to their respective committees, further adding to the success of the SMPS Atlanta chapter. Thank you for all that you do to keep our organization thriving!
CALLIE WORTHY, Catamount Constructors – Treasurer RACHEL GEARY, Juneau Construction Company – Treasurer-Elect ERIC KEENS, CPSM, Burns & McDonnell – Director-at-Large, Chapter Development STEPHANY ACHORN, HNTB – Co-Director-at-Large, Communications SARAH BATCHELOR, HNTB – Co-Director-at-Large, Communications MOLLY PATEL, Eberly & Associates – Director-at-Large, Membership JULIE TROWBRIDGE, CPSM, Jacobs – Director-at-Large, Professional Development MARY JO BUTCHER, PES Structural Engineers – Director-at-Large, Programs APRIL NOA, Brown and Caldwell – Director-at-Large, Sponsorship LOUISE NELSON, Roux – Coastal Committee Chair JOAN BORCHARDT, Moxie Meeting Planning, LLC – Chapter Administrator
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RUKIYA S. THOMAS WTS Atlanta President Rukiya.Thomas@atkinsglobal.com www.wtsinternational.org/atlanta
WTS Atlanta held its inaugural Multi-Modal Exchange Breakfast rounding out an ongoing industry conversation following the Annual GDOT Breakfast in July. The program featured a panel discussion with distinguished leaders in the transportation industry including Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director/CEO; Balram “B” Bheodari, Hartfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport Aviation General Manager; Solomon Caviness, Atlanta Department of Transportation Commissioner; Carrie Rocha, MARTA Chief Capital Officer; Kevin Abel, Mobility Atlanta Executive Director; and Clyde Higgs, Atlanta BeltLine President/ CEO. The panelists engaged in an energetic talk moderated by WTS Atlanta Chapter President, Rukiya Thomas, fueled by member-generated questions. They shared their unique perspective on topics such as equity and inclusion for women in their organizations, the state of transit, autonomous vehicles, and their shared wisdom as leaders on the impact of EV advancement across the transportation modes that they are leading.
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September | October 65
A LOOK BACK The city of Macon, Georgia’s main street circa 1936. The city’s streets and sidewalks were originally designed to ensure it was pedestrian-friendly. PHOTO CREDIT: Library of Congress
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