Fulton County backs AI training push as data center demand grows

Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall joined metro Atlanta mayors and economic development leaders in Midtown Atlanta to discuss AI readiness, power infrastructure and responsible growth. The county also announced a $97,500 pilot to train at least 500 residents and municipal employees as demand for technology facilities rises.

Why it matters: - Fulton County is trying to prepare workers and local governments for an economy shaped by AI and data center growth. - The county’s new training pilot ties workforce development to infrastructure planning, which will matter for jobs, tax base growth and project approvals. - The effort is meant to support sustainable, inclusive investment as technology-driven facilities put more pressure on power and other infrastructure.

What happened: - Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall joined South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs and Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin at the Bisnow Atlanta State of the Market on Wednesday in Midtown Atlanta. - The panel, “AI & Power Infrastructure,” took place at 1375 Peachtree and was moderated by Samir Abdullahi, director of Select Fulton. - Develop Fulton announced a $97,500 investment in AI Ready Fulton County, a first-mover pilot of AI Ready Georgia. - Preregistration for the pilot is open at joineta.org/ai-ready-fulton-county.

The details: - The seven-month initiative will provide at least 500 Fulton County residents and municipal employees with access to hybrid AI training and certification pathways at no cost. - The pilot launches in October 2026 and runs through April 2027. - The program is administered by the Enterprise Technology Association. - Hall said Fulton County has the talent, connectivity and economic assets to compete for future industries, but growth must be measured by more than the size of an investment. - Hall also said the county needs to pursue growth thoughtfully, prepare infrastructure, engage communities early and create lasting opportunities for residents and businesses. - Hall said collaboration among cities, utilities, developers, economic development organizations and community stakeholders will be essential as demand for data centers and other technology-driven facilities grows. - Hall said strong coordination is needed to evaluate infrastructure capacity, align projects with local priorities and position Fulton County for investment.

Between the lines: - The county is signaling that AI strategy is not just a tech issue. It is also a workforce, utility and land-use issue. - The panel format suggests local leaders want to shape the rules of growth before demand for power-hungry facilities outpaces planning. - By pairing training with infrastructure talk, Fulton County is framing AI readiness as a countywide competitiveness strategy rather than a narrow education program.

What's next: - The AI Ready Fulton County pilot is expected to start in October 2026 and continue through April 2027. - County leaders are likely to keep coordinating with cities and infrastructure partners as technology projects advance. - The program will test whether local training can scale quickly enough to support the county’s broader economic development goals.

The bottom line: - Fulton County is betting that AI-era growth will require both trained people and reliable infrastructure, and it is moving on both at once.