Panelists from l to r: Select Fulton Director Samir Abdullahi, Mayor Jim Gilvin – Alpharetta, Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs – South Fulton, Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall participated on a panel discussion on AI & Power Infrastructure.
Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall joined South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs and Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin to discuss AI, power infrastructure
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.”— Kwanza Halll, Chair of the Develop Fulton Board of Directors
Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall gathered with public- and private-sector leaders on Wednesday at the Bisnow Atlanta State of the Market to examine the projects, policies, and market dynamics influencing metro Atlanta’s commercial real estate sector.
Hall took part in the fireside chat, “AI & Power Infrastructure,” alongside South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs and Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin. Samir Abdullahi, Director of Select Fulton, served as moderator for the discussion held at 1375 Peachtree in Midtown Atlanta.
The conversation occurred as Develop Fulton revealed a $97,500 commitment to AI Ready Fulton County, the introductory pilot of AI Ready Georgia. Managed by the Enterprise Technology Association, this seven-month initiative will give at least 500 Fulton County residents and municipal employees access to hybrid AI training and certification pathways at no charge. Scheduled to begin in October 2026 and run through April 2027, the pilot underscores Develop Fulton’s pledge to equip people alongside the necessary infrastructure to compete 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,” said Hall. “We must pursue growth thoughtfully, prepare our infrastructure, engage communities early and create lasting opportunities for residents and businesses across the county.”
Hall further underscored the importance of cooperation among cities, utilities, developers, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders. With rising demand for data centers and other technology-focused facilities, he pointed out that strong coordination will be vital for evaluating infrastructure capacity, aligning initiatives with local priorities, and positioning Fulton County for sustainable, 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.”
Preregistration for the AI readiness pilot is open at joineta.org/ai-ready-fulton-county.
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About Develop Fulton
Develop Fulton, the Development Authority of Fulton County, works to advance economic development throughout Fulton County by supporting business investment, job creation and retention, and projects that strengthen the county’s economic competitiveness and tax base. Through strategic economic development tools and collaboration with public and private-sector partners, Develop Fulton helps facilitate investments that create opportunity and contribute to the long-term economic strength of communities across Fulton County.
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