College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom
College Park is Georgia’s global city, a transportation capital that connects the Peach State to the rest of the world. We sit at the intersection of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the busiest airport in the world—Interstates I-85 and I-285, and the CSX Railroad. Our connectivity means that we are far more than just a transportation hub; we are often also the first impression travelers have of Georgia. Making that first impression a good one has inspired us to build a future-minded, welcoming community that is open and accepting to all who come through it.
Since taking office in 2020, I’ve seen firsthand how College Park has risen to meet this standard. From weathering the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to new housing development projects like the South Park Cottages and Somersby, which offer affordable housing options in areas that have too often experienced underinvestment, we’ve overcome adversity and created new opportunities for anyone to build their lives in our community.
Still, a city’s progress is defined by more than just growth and adversity. To live up to our guiding vision, we must adapt to the tools reshaping our world. We’ve long said that one of College Park’s guiding visions is to unify this 21st-century global city “with a spirit of education, a focus on economic empowerment, and an assurance of safety that each stakeholder can embrace.” That vision demands that we keep evolving while ensuring that all our city’s residents have equitable access to the education and personal safety needed to succeed. While that might seem like a lofty goal, new tools like artificial intelligence are bringing us closer than ever before.
AI is no longer a project in a research lab; it’s a fundamental tool that is transforming industries across Georgia. Atlanta has already emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing AI hubs, fueled by a diverse and AI-savvy workforce. Meanwhile, at Hartsfield-Jackson, AI is easing the stresses of the millions of passengers who travel through it by optimizing security checkpoints and retail operations across terminals.
Inspired by the AI-powered transformations throughout the Peach State, we’re bringing that same spirit of innovation home to College Park. Our city has partnered with companies like Comcast Smart Solutions and C2RO to integrate AI-powered, biometric-free video analytics into city planning. These advanced tools allow us to better monitor traffic flow, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and Main Street activity, giving businesses the data they need to thrive while helping city planners make smarter, faster decisions to create a smarter, safer, and more equitable city for all.
But this is just the start. The promise of AI in College Park is enormous, but realizing it will take continued collaboration with other cities, private industry, and local transportation leaders to ensure innovation serves every resident in meaningful ways. By doing so, we can ensure that College Park isn’t just a first impression for Georgia’s visitors, but a national example of how cities can lead with innovation, strengthen communities, and create opportunity for everyone who calls this city home.
Mayor Bianca Motley Broom serves as the mayor of College Park, GA.
