Council for Quality Growth

Register now for on August 14 to hear from Keynote Speaker Greg Lindsay, Urbanist-in-Residence at University of Toronto's School of Cities:

The built environment is the largest, slowest-moving, and most capital-intensive sector of the economy — and one that has struggled for decades to improve productivity while demands on it continue to grow. Housing affordability, climate resilience, infrastructure needs, and changing patterns of how people live and work are exposing a system under increasing pressure.

Keynote speaker, urbanist, futurist, and two-time Jeopardy champion GREG LINDSAY joins to explore why traditional approaches are no longer enough — and how AI, digital transformation, and new models of collaboration could unlock a more productive, resilient, and responsive development industry. Rather than simply automating existing processes, the opportunity ahead is to reconnect fragmented workflows, turn data into decisions, and create a built environment that delivers more value for communities, investors, and future generations.

August 14 – 7:00 AM – Sandy Springs Performing Arts Theater at City Springs

Register Here: https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/council-events/the-intersection-conference/

See you at

Yesterday, the Council’s ELI members gathered at The Works for a development update and happy hour featuring Steve Selig, Greg Lewis, Malloy Peterson, and Mindy Selig of Selig Enterprises. Attendees learned about the success of Phase 1 of The Works and the vision for Phase 2 as the mixed-use destination continues to grow and evolve. The discussion highlighted how The Works is driving connection, investment, and growth on Atlanta’s Upper Westside, followed by a happy hour that provided ELI members with an opportunity to connect and network with fellow emerging leaders.

Special thank you to our presenting sponsors Selig Enterprises and Willmer Engineering for your continued support of the Council’s ELI program.

Register now for on August 14 to hear from DOMINIUM, Holder Construction, AECOM & more:

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how development projects move from concept to completion. Join us at for this panel of industry leaders as they discuss practical applications of AI across the development lifecycle, including site selection, design, permitting, and construction. This conversation will move beyond theory to highlight real-world use cases, lessons learned, and where AI is creating opportunities for greater speed, efficiency, and competitive advantage across the development project lifecycle, from decision-making to design and delivery.

August 14 – 7:00 AM – Sandy Springs Performing Arts Theater at City Springs

Register Here: https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/council-events/the-intersection-conference/

See you at

The Council mourns the loss of Charlie Brown, a visionary developer whose leadership helped shape Atlanta’s growth and transform communities across the region. Throughout his distinguished career in commercial real estate, Charlie played a key role in the development of projects that contributed to the evolution of metro Atlanta and its suburbs. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, the Council honored Charlie with its Four Pillar Tribute in 2004, celebrating his leadership and lasting contributions to quality growth. His legacy will continue to be felt throughout Georgia, and he will be greatly missed.

Read Charlie's Obituary here: https://www.crowellbrothers.com/obituaries/Charles-Richard-Charlie-Brown?obId=48592151

This afternoon, the Council continued the Quality Growth Institute’s 2026 Education Forum Series with a timely discussion on Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Data Center Development. The forum brought together members and industry leaders for an engaging conversation on the environmental, regulatory, utility, and community considerations shaping data center projects across Georgia.

Thank you to Wyatt Kendall and Stephen McCullers of Taft Law | Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, John Mansour of QTS, Jeffrey Edwards of Microsoft, and Erica McGill of Georgia Power for sharing their expertise and insights on the evolving regulatory landscape and the factors critical to successful data center development. Thank you as well to everyone who attended and contributed to a thoughtful and informative discussion.

Join us on August 4 for the Q3 session: Understanding Evolving Energy Infrastructure.

Register for the next two forums: https://councilforqualitygrowth.memberzone.com/events/details/2026-qgi-education-forum-q3-evolving-energy-infrastructure-6322

Join us TOMORROW to learn about Data Center Regulations in Georgia. The Council is excited to continue our 2026 Education Forum Series with this expert panel exploring the regulatory landscape of data center development. Hear from panelists Jeffrey Edwards (Microsoft), Wyatt Kendall (Taft Law | Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP), John Mansour (QTS Data Centers), Stephen McCullers (Taft Law | Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP), and Erica McGill (Georgia Power) as they discuss the environmental, regulatory, and zoning considerations shaping data center projects across Georgia. Attendees will gain insight into site selection, utility coordination, community impact factors, and strategies for navigating approval processes as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow.

REGISTER NOW at https://councilforqualitygrowth.memberzone.com/events/details/2026-qgi-education-forum-q2-navigating-the-regulatory-landscape-of-data-center-development-6313

Save the Date for Upcoming Education Forums:

Q3: AUGUST 4 - Understanding Emerging Energy Infrastructure with Parker Poe
Q4: NOVEMBER 3 - Unlocking Opportunity through Brownfields Development with Taft | Morris Manning

The Council extends a thank you to all 9 of our guest speakers from last month's Advisory Roundtable meetings. Your engagement with the Council and our membership is a crucial part of moving our region forward.

North Fulton Roundtable: Mayor Mary Robichaux, City of Roswell

Atlanta Roundtable: Council President Marci Collier Overstreet, City of Atlanta

Gwinnett County Roundtable: Edgardo Aponte, Director of Transportation, Gwinnett County

Cobb County Roundtable: Jessica Guinn, Community Development Director, Cobb County

DeKalb County Roundtable: Mayor Beverly Burks, City of Clarkston

South Metro Roundtable: Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs, City of South Fulton

Henry County Roundtable: Sam Baker, Director of Transportation Planning, Henry County

Cherokee County Roundtable: Congressman Barry Loudermilk, Georgia's 11th Congressional District, U.S. House of Representatives

Forsyth County Roundtable: David McKee, County Manager, Forsyth County

These monthly roundtables are an exclusive benefit of membership of the Council for Quality Growth. Thanks to our members who attended last month and our May Advisory Roundtable sponsors: HDR, Lowe Engineers, LLC., Jackson EMC, Town Center Community, POH+W Architects, Manhattan Construction Group, Lumos Fiber

An esteemed group of Tribute Speakers & Chairs have been selected to pay tribute to Egbert Perry for his impact and exemplary leadership across Atlanta and beyond. Speakers will include:

Larry Gellerstedt III, Partner at Sweetwater Holdings

Renee Lewis Glover, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder of Coretto and Associates, LLC

Rian Smith, Chief Legal and Impact Officer at The Integral Group

T. Dallas Smith, Founder & CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Company

Read the full press release here: https://www.fourpillartribute.com/press-release-announcing-the-2026-four-pillar-tribute-speakers-chairs/

Join us on October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Georgia World Congress Center as we recognize Egbert Perry for demonstrating the 'Four Pillars' of leadership and creating a lasting impact on our region.

Sponsorships available online now at www.FourPillarTribute.com.

Thanks to all who joined us for our Coffee & Conversations this morning. These monthly meetings are how we share the Council's mission and purpose with new, prospective, and current members alike.

Special thanks to our VIP Board Member, Dr. Debra Henson, Vice President, Sr. Regional Business Development Director at AtkinsRéalis for providing testimony to how the Council has been a resource for you. We are grateful for your support and leadership.

Register for our next Coffee & Conversations on June 23: https://councilforqualitygrowth.memberzone.com/events/details/coffee-conversations-with-the-council-6321

Contact Morgan Peek at [email protected] for details and other membership information.

Briana Stewart is the newest member of the Council’s team, having joined recently as Programs Manager. In her role, Briana will be responsible for driving sponsorship revenue and developing high-impact content for the Council’s programs and events. She brings experience in fundraising, grants management, and community engagement through previous roles with Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia and Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers. Outside of work, she enjoys collecting vinyl records and exploring local trails with her dog, Knight.

Please join the Council in welcoming Briana to the team.

Read more about Briana: https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/council-welcomes-briana-stewart-as-new-programs-manager/

Contact Briana:
[email protected]
770-813-3388