Aerotropolis: Leveraging Airports and Their Surrounding Communities for Regional and Economic Growth
Mon May 12
4:00 PM — 5:00 PM (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time
Colorado Convention Center - Street Level, 403-404
Airports are more than just transportation hubs—they are catalysts for regional economic growth, shaping land use, investment patterns, and infrastructure development. This session will explore how cities are leveraging the aerotropolis model to drive economic competitiveness, attract industries, and enhance connectivity. A panel of leaders from three dynamic aerotropolis regions—Atlanta, Cleveland, and Denver—will share insights on their strategies for integrating airport-driven development with surrounding land uses. Topics will include zoning and land planning, transportation, infrastructure investment, public/private partnerships, and workforce development. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to harness airport-adjacent real estate development for long-term success.
Speakers
Moderator
Moderator
MXD Development Strategists
Chris LeTourneur President & CEO MXD Development Strategists Chris has over 34 years of experience in planning, design, land economics, and airport area development. As President and CEO, Chris leads MXD Development Strategists (MXDdevelopment.com), an international planning and development consultancy. Chris' project portfolio spans over 6 continents and 50 countries across North America, South America, Western & Eastern Europe, Australia, Asia, India, Africa, and the…
Panelist
Panelist
SVP Real Estate Development Denver International Airport
Ken manages real estate development activities at Denver International Airport and their integration with the DEN Real Estate strategic land use plan as well as overseeing all land lease activities such as rental cars, solar, farm, and oil & gas leasing. Ken has over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, having been responsible for the acquisition, asset management, and disposition of…
Panelist
Panelist
President & CEO Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, Inc
A native of Albany, GA, Shannon W. James Sr. received a full Men’s Basketball scholarship to Valdosta State University. While in undergrad, he became Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc before obtaining B.B.A’s in both Management & Marketing in ’04 and ‘05. Immediately post undergrad, he would begin a 15yr career in banking and become the first African-American accepted into the Park Avenue Bank…
Panelist
Panelist
Executive Director The Aerozone
Hrishue Mahalaha is the Executive Director of the Aerozone Alliance and also is the Founder and Chief Economic Advisor of Innovation Economy Partners. Hrishue has more than 14 years of experience working with the management consulting firm Accenture. During this time, Hrishue worked closely with a variety of domestic and international, public, private and governmental organizations. Hrishue also has launched a variety of entrepreneurial ventures…