As part of our ongoing series on the economic revitalization of mid-sized U.S. cities, Washington CORE spoke with Charlie Jewell, the Economic Development Director for Alpharetta, Georgia, which is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the Southeast. Just 30 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta has quietly emerged as a magnet for fintech, biotech, and advanced manufacturing, and is now home to more than 900 technology firms.

In our interview, Jewell shared how strategic investments in fiber-optic infrastructure, business incentives, and STEM education have helped transform Alpharetta from a suburban outpost into a competitive industrial ecosystem. He also highlighted the role of Tech Alpharetta, a public-private incubator that has attracted a wave of startups and mentorship from corporate giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and LexisNexis.

What makes Alpharetta unique, Jewell emphasized, is its ability to blend economic dynamism with a high quality of life, something that has become increasingly rare in fast-growing cities. Alpharetta’s success stems from its commitment to blending economic vibrancy with a small-town quality of life.

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