Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears from Invest Atlanta and BeltLine appointees; two BeltLine advisory appointments approved
Summary
The committee heard brief introductions from Invest Atlanta appointees and approved two appointments to the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee. Audra Cunningham and Dr. Ken Zeph introduced themselves; Chris Kopenhaver and Leo Bjorklund were confirmed by committee vote.
The Community Development and Human Services Committee heard brief introductions from four people affiliated with Invest Atlanta and BeltLine oversight and approved two advisory appointments to the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee.
Audra Cunningham, a real-estate executive and Grant Park resident, spoke to the committee about her background and interest in serving on the Invest Atlanta board. Cunningham said she was honored to be considered and described a career in real estate and community leadership; she will not be voted on in this committee because the City Council’s Committee on Community, Livable Cities (CLC) had previously voted on her appointment.
’My vision was and remains to ensure that all community stakeholders' voices are heard,’ Cunningham said.
BeltLine advisory appointments
Two appointments to the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee were taken up and approved in committee.
• Chris Kopenhaver, a senior director with Cushman & Wakefield and a resident of Annesley Park, presented briefly about his professional experience and prior service on the Fulton Industrial community zoning board. The committee approved his appointment by a 5–0 vote; mover: Councilmember Westmoreland; second: Councilmember Bakhtiari.
• Leo Bjorklund, a certified public accountant and senior consultant at Deloitte Consulting, described his interest in community and economic development and his residence on the BeltLine in Fourth Ward. The committee approved his appointment by a 5–0 vote; mover: Councilmember Westmoreland; second: Councilmember Dozier.
Dr. Ken Zeph, district 3 representative on the Atlanta Board of Education, also introduced himself as an Invest Atlanta board member candidate and spoke about the connection between Invest Atlanta’s mission and student stability and opportunity. The committee noted his prior consideration in a related forum.
Why it matters
Invest Atlanta and BeltLine advisory appointments help shape economic development, affordable-housing strategy and project decisions that affect neighborhoods across the city. Advisory committee members and board members bring private‑sector and nonprofit experience to guiding implementation.
Ending
Committee members thanked the applicants and confirmed the two BeltLine advisory appointments; further Invest Atlanta appointments will proceed through the mayoral and council approval process where required.
