South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) is the brainchild of Michael Hightower, Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm, LLC, a planning, program management and development company. Hightower, a long-time proponent of smart growth in the Southern Crescent, established SMDO to convene individuals with a common interest in examining and discussing relevant growth-related issues in South Fulton County. Today, SMDO highlights economic development, planning, infrastructure, transportation and related issues facing Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Henry and South Fulton Counties, as well as the City of Atlanta.

South Metro Development Outlook has grown to become the largest conference of its kind in south metropolitan Atlanta. The upcoming SMDO Conference will be held on February 19, 2025, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in College Park, Georgia.