From left to right, panel participants included Select Fulton Director Samir Abdullahi, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs, and Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall during a discussion focused on AI & Power Infrastructure.
Develop Fulton Board Chair Kwanza Hall was joined by South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs and Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin to explore topics surrounding AI and power infrastructure
Fulton County possesses the workforce, connectivity, and economic resources to attract the industries that will define tomorrow, yet our achievements cannot be gauged solely by the scale of an investment.”— Kwanza Hall, Chair of the Develop Fulton Board of Directors
Develop Fulton Board Chair Kwanza Hall took part alongside officials from both the public and private sectors on Wednesday at the Bisnow Atlanta State of the Market to examine the initiatives, policies, and market dynamics influencing metro Atlanta’s commercial real estate sector.
Hall took part in the fireside chat titled “AI & Power Infrastructure” alongside City of South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs and City of Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin. The conversation was moderated by Samir Abdullahi, Director of Select Fulton, and took place at 1375 Peachtree in Midtown Atlanta.
This dialogue coincided with Develop Fulton’s announcement of a $97,500 commitment to AI Ready Fulton County, the inaugural pilot program of AI Ready Georgia. Managed by the Enterprise Technology Association, this seven-month effort will offer at least 500 Fulton County residents and municipal employees complimentary access to hybrid AI training and certification tracks. Set to start in October 2026 and run through April 2027, the pilot underscores Develop Fulton’s dedication to developing human capital alongside the infrastructure required to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven economy.
“Fulton County has the talent, connectivity and economic assets to compete for the industries shaping the future, but our success must be measured by more than the size of an investment,” Hall stated. “We must pursue growth thoughtfully, prepare our infrastructure, engage communities early and create lasting opportunities for residents and businesses across the county.”
During the session, Hall also underscored the importance of collaboration among municipalities, utility providers, developers, economic development entities, and community groups. With rising demand for data centers and other technology-oriented facilities, he emphasized that robust coordination is vital for assessing infrastructure capacity, harmonizing projects with local objectives, and positioning Fulton County for sustainable and inclusive investment.
“It’s critically important that we have leaders from all corners of the County. Economic development is strongest when communities understand the opportunity, have a meaningful voice in the process and can see how an investment supports their long-term vision,” Hall added. “We are thankful for Mayor Gumbs and Mayor Gilvin’s insights on exciting ways every city can help move projects forward in to strengthen our tax base, create jobs and expand opportunity.”
Early registration for the AI readiness pilot is available at joineta.org/ai-ready-fulton-county.
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About Develop Fulton
Develop Fulton, the Development Authority of Fulton County, is dedicated to promoting economic growth across Fulton County by encouraging business investment, job creation and retention, and initiatives that bolster the county’s economic competitiveness and tax base. Through strategic economic development resources and partnerships with public and private-sector stakeholders, Develop Fulton helps enable investments that generate opportunity and support the long-term economic vitality of communities throughout Fulton County.
Erik Burton
Profile Marketing & Public Relations
erik@profilegroupllc.com
