GwMA members and guests were invited to a meeting/briefing of the status of the Atlanta Transit Link Authority (ATL). The meeting was hosted by the City of Lawrenceville at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. The ATL is the organization dealing with multiple transit entities for Metro Atlanta. (From the ATL Website: “…at the ATL we develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan that we can use to help guide the region’s transit priorities and funding. Another goal of the ATL is to position the Atlanta region as a prime location for business development and expansion. A more efficient and unified transit system will help drive economic growth and provide better access to jobs for people across the region.”

Cain Williamson, ATL’s Chief Planning Officer, provided a presentation of several initiatives impacting Gwinnett County. Funding approvals and system branding were covered as well as the importance of Gwinnett’s three representatives on the ATL Board. Charlotte Nash, Paul Radford and Chuck Warbington all contribute to the planning and decision-making functions for all of Metro Atlanta.

Gwinnett Department of Transportation Director Lewis Cooksey presented a Gwinnett-specific update for transit and other transportation plans and programs. With this presentation GwMA attendees received both Gwinnett-specific activities and how Gwinnett supports and is impacted by other ATL affiliated entities.