Atlanta Way 2.0
What is Atlanta Way 2.0?
Atlanta Way 2.0 is a modernized approach to civic engagement rooted in the original “Atlanta Way” of the 1960s—A model of civic collaboration launched in the mid-20th century, where business and civic leaders worked together—often behind the scenes—to manage racial and political tensions and pursue shared city goals. Our organization is dedicated to creating opportunities for ALL to have a seat at the table. Ensuring that community input is at the center of decisions and efforts to improve our region.
Atlanta Way 2.0 isn't just a framework—it’s a movement. By developing leaders, linking communities, and fostering collaboration, we aim to make metro Atlanta stronger, more equitable, and more united. This updated model activates conversation, collaboration, and community action across lines of race, politics, sectors, and neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta. Our Activator Network is a dynamic group of regional leaders that reflects the demographics of our city and region. We empower individuals and organizations to make change and increase impact through connections, convenings, and collaborations. If you are passionate about creating the best Atlanta for all, we hope you will explore our work and join the movement!
How does Atlanta Way 2.0 work?
Connect
What is one of the most impactful things you can do to help someone advance in their career or feel like part of their community?
Help them connect with the people and resources they need to succeed!
Embodying Atlanta Way 2.0 values means always looking for opportunities to introduce people to each other for everyone's benefit.
Collaborate
How can we get more done and create lasting change? By working together!
At Atlanta Way 2.0 we believe that collaboration sparks solutions, funding opportunities, organizational relationships, and lasting change.
Collaboration is key in problem-solving, increasing awareness, and inclusive solutions. Let's commit to collaboration across our great region!
Convene
Atlanta Way 2.0 is proud to help facilitate convenings for your neighborhood, group, or organization. Need an introduction to someone or want to invite an entire organization to your event? We can help! We offer organizational assistance, moderators, and speakers for panels and events, and more than anything, we enjoy bringing people together to help our city and community thrive.
Atlanta Way 2.0 2026 Focus
This year, Atlanta Way 2.0 is focused on three central initiatives: Future of Journalism, Downtown Revitalization, and Regional Economic Mobility.
Together, these efforts reflect our belief that a thriving Atlanta depends on informed communities, shared civic responsibility, and inclusive pathways to opportunity.
Through our Future of Journalism work, we are reimagining how local information flows—centering community voices, strengthening trust between residents and institutions, and supporting journalism that informs, connects, and empowers. Our Downtown Revitalization initiative brings together public, private, and community partners to help re-envision Atlanta’s urban core as a vibrant, welcoming place where people want to live, work, and gather. And through Regional Economic Mobility, we are advancing cross-county collaboration, data-informed strategies, and community-driven solutions that expand access to opportunity across metro Atlanta.
Across all three initiatives, Atlanta Way 2.0 serves as a civic convener—creating space for open dialogue, elevating diverse perspectives, and aligning leaders and neighbors around shared goals. We believe progress happens when trust is built, voices are heard, and the region moves forward together.
Purpose
To strengthen the civic fabric of Greater Atlanta
Mission
To create a compassionate and just community by educating, equipping and engaging activators, partners and stakeholders
Vision
Atlanta has a thriving civic culture where all people are connected, engaged and empowered
Atlanta Way 2.0 Activator Orientations
We recently launched our first round of orientation events for our 900+ person Activator network! We aim to connect changemakers, collaborate on solutions to large regional challenges, and convene to find out how to best support the community!
Want to host an event for our Activators or sponsor our next round of events?
Email Britton Edwards to find out more!
All registrations are recorded through HandsOn ATL!
