NewVA Moves

To Atlanta

Tomorrow, I fly to Atlanta to attend a three-day conference on renewable energy and other energy-related topics.  Actually, the conference isn't in Atlanta itself, but in Rome, Georgia, about an hour-and-a-half outside the city if Google is correct.  This means I will not only have to deal with what is rumored to be one of the most difficult to navigate airports in the country, but I will have to drive in at least some portion of Atlanta traffic.  This will be a precusor to this year's annual Association of Commuter Transportation conference, also being held in Atlanta, though someone thought it would be a good idea to schedule it for August.  August in Atlanta does not sound like an enjoyable experience.

Atlanta has a reputation, well earned, as one of the suffering from some of the worst sprawl in the country.  Its growth over the last several decades has been unchecked and unbalanced, resulting in poor air quality and long commute times.  After having visited many cities - Seattle, as a primary example - who have led the way in combating sprawl, traffic congestion, and related air pollution issues, Atlanta is an example of a city that has not adequately met the challenges facing it.  I'm not very excited about navigating Atlanta roads, but after my recent ordeal with D.C. traffic, I think I'm better prepared.