Leadership Involvement Networking Knowledge (LINK)

LINK is a cross-sector, cross-county leadership exchange that brings together the region’s most influential leaders to learn how metropolitan areas throughout the country are addressing the same issues and challenges we face in the Atlanta region.

During the trip, leaders from the Atlanta region engage in dialogue with their counterparts, exchanging ideas, resolutions, discoveries and solutions to explore innovative ideas and programs that have helped to build partnerships and impact positive community change. In its 14th year, LINK is coordinated by the Atlanta Regional Commission, the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta region.

Previous trips visited Denver, Dallas, Seattle, Cleveland, San Diego, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Portland, Miami, Vancouver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. 

 

LINK 2011 Greater Seattle

The Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area, also known as the Puget Sound region, consists of three counties and 77 cities. Seattle is the county seat of King County and the major economic, cultural and educational center in the region. The 2010 Census found that Seattle is home to 608,660 residents, within a metropolitan area of some 3.4 million people. While the Puget Sound region has experienced tremendous progress and recognition in regard to education attainment, transportation and economic development, like growing metropolitan regions across the country, it is not without challenges.

This year’s LINK program explored how our peer leaders in metro Seattle transformed transportation governance to result in a more transparent decision-making process and, ultimately, the passage of a 2008 sales tax referendum for transit. The metro Atlanta delegation also learned about the region’s collaborative economic development strategy and the various partnerships that have grown out of its successful implementation. Finally, Puget Sound leaders shared various initiatives they are undertaking to close the educational achievement gap in their community. 

Core Materials

LINK 2011 Briefing Book (PDF)

LINK 2011 Itinerary (PDF)

LINK 2011 Participants

LINK 2011 Sponsors

 

Presentations

The Story of the Puget Sound Region (PDF) - Presented by Phil Bussey, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

The Prosperity Partnership (PDF) - Presented by Bill McSherry, The Boeing Company

Prosperity Partnership & Life Sciences (PDF) - Presented by Lee Huntsman, Life Sciences Discovery Fund

Washington Life Sciences Overview (PDF) - Presented by Chris Rivera, WA Biotechnology and Biomedical Association

The Puget Sound Region – A World Center for Global Health (PDF) - Presented by Lisa Cohen, PATH

Fueling an Innovative Economy (PDF) - Presented by Susannah Malarkey, Technology Alliance 

Transportation Planning, Governance and Accountability (PDF) - Presented by Hon. Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Chairman 

Ingredients of an International Region (PDF) - Presented by Sam Kaplan, Trade Development Alliance

 A Roadmap for Education Policy in Washington State (PDF) - Presented by Mary Jean Ryan, Community Center for Education Results 

Seattle's Education Levy (PDF) - Presented by Hon. Tim Burgess, Seattle City Council

 

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