Develop Fulton's New Chair Kwanza Hall Charts Path for Regional Tech Growth

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

19 Feb 2025

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Former U.S. Congressman Kwanza Hall has built a career in public service focused on delivering concrete results. Now, as the new chairman of Develop Fulton, one of the Southeast’s preeminent development authorities, Hall is bringing fifteen years of public service experience to shape the region’s economic future. “It’s a really unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on economic growth, job creation, and regional prosperity,” Hall explains.

“Investment capital goes where it feels comfortable,” Hall notes, outlining his approach to economic development. “We want to make sure that we always send a signal to the business community – local, national and global – that we welcome their investment, and we will be a very good partner in that.”

Hall’s experience working across party lines and diverse communities has made him a trusted leader of diverse interests. “The county is very diverse. It’s Republicans, Democrats, black, white, gay, straight. Some people don’t understand what kind of growth they want. Some people are seeking leadership in the aspects of mixed use, as opposed to industrial development or job creation versus walkability and traffic.”

This understanding of community needs shapes Develop Fulton’s balanced approach to development. Under Hall’s leadership, the organization facilitates projects spanning technology infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization. The RYSE Creative Village demonstrates this strategy, combining entrepreneurial space with community housing solutions.

“You can’t really grow unless you do things to enhance the infrastructure that drives economic growth,” Hall emphasizes. His strategy focuses on building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports both established industries and emerging sectors. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, historically Black colleges, and regional development organizations, Develop Fulton aims to create opportunities that benefit all residents.

This approach has drawn major technology partners including Microsoft, Meta, Edge Connect, and X AI, positioning Fulton County as a significant tech hub. “We’re working to create an ecosystem that supports startups, fosters research and development, helps people to spin out of existing companies into companies that will create massive growth and jobs,” Hall explains, describing what he calls a “rainforest effect” where each new development exponentially increases the potential for growth and job creation.

As 2025 progresses, Hall’s vision for Develop Fulton focuses on positioning the county at the forefront of emerging technologies. “We’re continuing to position Fulton County as a premier destination for tech innovation and emerging technologies,” Hall explains. “The future of economic growth lies in industries like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, as well as the deep tech.” 

Through this integration of tech sector growth and community development, Develop Fulton is creating lasting economic opportunities across the county. “We’re seeing a fascinating trend towards the integration of technology into traditional industries,” Hall notes. “Our real goal is to create a dynamic environment where tech talent can thrive and where businesses and entrepreneurs can access the resources and networks while these massive place-making investments are being made.”