September Interview PCC News
In the Podcar City News we present an interview of Mr Gerald Mcdowell, Executive Director of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs). Under his leadership, AACIDs successfully secured over $50 million in grants and project funding. McDowell manages the operational and developmental aspects of both Airport West and Airport South CIDs, overseeing a budget of $3.7 million.McDowell’s leadership abilities have been lauded by numerous organizations, including the 2015 South Fulton Chamber Award, 2016 ABL Award, 2018-2024 Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend, 2019 graduate of Leadership Atlanta, the inaugural CID Professional Excellence Award 2020, 2022-2023 Georgia 500, and 2023-2024 Georgia Titan 100.
Christer Lindstrom met Mr McDowell by Zoom (online) and Christer asked about the development of the innovative new ATN system at Atlanta Airport, an initiative from Mr. McDowell and the AACIDS organization..
Welcome Mr McDowell to our Podcar City interview.
Thank you, happy to be here.
First Question – What are you hoping to get out of the first system?
Well, we are aiming for two things:
1 – For MARTA – to evaluate the ATN technology for a future system and a deeper understanding of how this technology is possible for good use for the people of Atlanta.
2 – For the general public -We want to be able to show that this is a real technology that can provide a good service for our community and all people here in the city.
– Are you happy with the process so far?
Yes. After the Request for Proposals (RFP) we got seven proposals. After internal deliberation we chose the Glydways technology solution (a ATN type 2 technology – Editors comment) and started the implementation work. We decided to have the system operable at the end of 2026. We have had weekly meetings and the project has moved forward well, with many discussions and hard questions.
– What were the hardest obstacles?
It was definitely the introduction of new technology, unfamiliar to many participants. The conversation was sometimes “Is it for real?” and we had a few hard conversations during the project.
– You are coming to the Podcar City Conference in February.
What are your expectations?
Yes, I will be both attending and be a speaker – I look forward to meet with colleagues, cities and other communities.
– The PCC is starting several youth projects (SFFM editors comment) at the conference.
What is A – your advice to young people regarding mobility, and B – what is the role of
yourself in the future?
My advice is to have high schools encourage STEM education in transportation technology for future mobility. Both high school students and college students are critical for our future and the skilled workforce is needed for us here and elsewhere also.
My own role is to support MARTA for our communities and I see a five year future ahead with ATN market technology as an important part of the future of mobility in Atlanta.
Thank you Mr McDowell and we look forward to meet you at the Podcar City Meetings soon!