DT #660 The Atlanta Beltline Story: Balancing Growth, Equity, and Opportunity

What does it take to transform a community while ensuring everyone benefits from the growth? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc, about one of the most ambitious community redevelopment projects in the United States. Clyde shares his unique journey from healthcare leadership into economic development and explains how large-scale infrastructure projects can serve as catalysts for economic growth, community revitalization, and long-term opportunity. A major focus of the conversation is community-led development. Rather than imposing change from the top down, the Atlanta BeltLine has prioritized public engagement, trust-building, and ensuring that residents have a voice in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. The discussion also explores the challenges of balancing growth with equity, particularly when it comes to housing affordability and ensuring redevelopment benefits both existing and future residents. Throughout the episode, Clyde highlights the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, and lifelong learning as essential leadership skills for economic developers navigating increasingly complex challenges. A key takeaway? Successful redevelopment is not just about infrastructure—it's about creating opportunities, building trust, and putting people at the center of growth. Key Takeaways Community engagement is essential to successful redevelopment projects Infrastructure investments can be powerful catalysts for economic growth Equitable housing must be part of long-term development strategies Public trust is critical in community transformation efforts Mentorship and relationship-building are key leadership skills Economic development is ultimately about improving opportunities for people Key Topics Covered Community-led redevelopment strategies Economic impact of infrastructure investments Equitable housing and neighborhood revitalization Leadership and mentorship in economic development Public trust and community engagement The future of economic development Sound Bites "Everyone knows something you don't know." "You're not as smart as you think you are." "People are the greatest source of optimism."