The 1996 Summer Olympics transformed Atlanta with the construction of new venues and unprecedented investment in public infrastructure. Thirty years later, Atlanta is back in the spotlight as one of 16 North American cities to host the World Cup, and new investment has followed from both the public and private sectors. So, with an opportunity to reshape downtown for tourists and residents and spur new economic activity, how has the city risen to meet the moment? 

Emily Barrett, an assistant professor in the School of City and Regional Planning, joined Generating Buzz to share how multibillion-dollar projects like Centennial Yards are creating new spaces to live, work, and play; how the revitalization of South Downtown is advancing innovation; and how lessons learned from past mega-events have set up these projects for success.