Inspire Speaker Series

Our cities and communities are changing whether we are ready for it or not. One place where that notion is especially evident is Atlanta, Georgia, which predicts incredible population growth in the coming years. Author, urban designer, and civic entrepreneur Ryan Gravel will explain how his city – Atlanta – is shifting the narrative of change through intentional investment. Ryan will share stories of the Atlanta Beltline, a $4 billion infrastructure project aimed at creating a cultural shift in the community’s expectations for its physical environment and turning physical barriers into new opportunities for connection with people and nature. Ryan will also share how the Beltline led to the Atlanta City Design. Inspired by famous Atlanta native and Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream for the beloved community, the City Design is a strategic realignment of plans, projects, policies, and priorities to leverage the city’s inevitable change into the kind of place that reflects the shared values of residents.

Gravel will be joined on-stage by Tiffany Taulton and Ashley Cox, who will present local perspectives and draw connections between Ryan’s stories and our own. NEXTPittsburgh’s Tony Norman will guest emcee the event and guide our speakers through a discussion with the audience.