Councilmember Dr. Lawanna Owens-Twaites Selected for 2026 Regional Le
Published on July 23, 2026
For Immediate Release
07/23/2026
Union City Council member Selected for Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2026 Regional Leadership Institute
(Union City, GA) - The City of Union City proudly announces that Councilmember Dr. Lawanna Owens-Twaites has been selected to participate in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2026 Regional Leadership Institute, an immersive leadership development program designed to address critical issues impacting communities throughout metro Atlanta.
The Regional Leadership Institute brings together leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors for active learning, collaboration, and real-world exploration of regional planning and policy. Participants are selected from across the 11-county Atlanta region based on their leadership qualities, professional experience, and commitment to creating opportunities for residents and communities.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for the 2026 Regional Leadership Institute. This opportunity represents more than professional growth—it is a chance to collaborate with exceptional leaders who are committed to shaping a stronger, more connected region. I look forward to learning through a regional lens, exploring innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges, and bringing that knowledge back to serve my community with greater vision, purpose, and impact. Together, we can create opportunities that allow every resident to thrive.”
Throughout the program, Councilmember Dr. Lawanna Owens-Twaites will engage with regional leaders and subject matter experts to explore issues that directly influence the future of metro Atlanta, including housing affordability, transit and transportation planning, water resources, aging, community resilience, workforce development, economic mobility, and investments in the region’s future.
The program’s goals include educating leaders about the core challenges facing the Atlanta region, strengthening relationships among leaders across sectors, and creating opportunities for participants to exchange knowledge, strategies, tools, and resources that can help communities address complex policy concerns.
The 2026 Regional Leadership Institute will be hosted at the Atlanta Regional Commission’s offices in Downtown Atlanta and at Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier. The program will include presentations, facilitated discussions, leadership development activities, interdisciplinary exercises, and interactive simulations.
Councilmember Owens-Twaites selection reflects Union City’s continued commitment to collaborative leadership, regional engagement, and identifying innovative approaches that support the City’s continued growth and long-term success. The knowledge and relationships developed through the institute will further strengthen the City’s ability to connect regional strategies with local priorities and create meaningful opportunities for Union City residents.
About Union City: Recognized as the fastest-growing city in Georgia and the 4th fastest-growing suburb in the nation, Union City is experiencing a period of remarkable change. The City is making substantial investments in new parks, expansive greenway trails, affordable housing, and upgraded infrastructure to enhance quality of life opportunities for its residents. These initiatives are part of the City's commitment to creating a more livable, connected, and sustainable community, positioning it as a leading destination for growth and development.
# # #
Media Contact:
Xavier Walker Marketing & Cultural Arts Manager
Xwalker@unioncityga.gov