Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, announces today that Atlanta Public Policy partners Sharon Gay and Ceasar Mitchell, Jr. have been included on Atlanta Magazine’s list of the city’s most influential leaders, The Atlanta 500. The special publication is an annual extension of the magazine.

Gay, managing partner of the Atlanta office, is recognized for her experience in land use and zoning and economic incentives. A pioneer in the use of tax allocation district financing in Georgia, she coordinated the successful effort to amend the Georgia Constitution to allow school systems to participate in tax allocation districts to support community redevelopment. Gay has played an instrumental role in the development of Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station, Avalon, Glenwood Place, Madison Yards, Stockyards, Atlanta Dairies and Krog Street Market, and the revitalization of downtown Atlanta. She focuses her practice on state and local government law, tax allocation district financing and other economic development incentives, transportation, public-private partnerships and political law.

Mitchell heads Dentons’ interdisciplinary Local Government Solutions practice, which focuses on bridging the public and private sectors to meet challenges facing US local and state governments. He is the immediate past president of the Atlanta City Council, where he also served eight years as an at-large councilmember, while simultaneously maintaining a legal practice. Combining his deep economic development public policy experience with his extensive background in real estate, he represents a mix of private sector and government entities in the acquisition, construction and redevelopment of multi-family housing and mixed-use projects. Mitchell also represents financial institutions in crafting financing solutions for commercial and residential land acquisitions and development, construction, capital improvements, working capital, equipment and debt restructuring. Deeply engaged in the Atlanta community, Mitchell serves on multiple advisory boards throughout the city ranging from affordable housing to youth enrichment.

The Atlanta 500 annually recognizes 500 of Atlanta’s top leaders and most well-known legends, including not just corporate CEOs, but those who have shaped the culture and causes that the city embraces. Honorees were selected by nominations.