Kenneth M. Neighbors, who has advised clients in negotiating and financing some of Atlanta’s most transformative development projects, has joined McGuireWoods’ public finance practice as a partner.
Neighbors brings nearly two decades of experience in major transportation and infrastructure public-private partnership (P3) and economic development projects. He was part of a team that represented the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in negotiating the design, construction and financing of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. He served as special assistant attorney general assigned to the Georgia Department of Transportation in structuring the P3 deal to build the recently opened Northwest Corridor Express Lanes, which added nearly 30 miles of toll lanes on Interstates 75 and 575 in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Neighbors also has served as counsel to the governmental authority overseeing the redevelopment of the former Fort McPherson Army post. In addition, he advised various City of Atlanta agencies on the P3 arrangements to acquire and develop the Northeast Corridor segment of the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile loop of parks, trails and transit right of way connecting more than 40 neighborhoods. He joins McGuireWoods from Greenberg Traurig.
“We consider Ken’s experience and reputation in the Atlanta legal market to be incredibly beneficial to the firm and to our clients and we are excited to have him join our team,” said Christopher Greene, managing partner of the firm’s Atlanta office.
Neighbors’ arrival follows the recent addition of highly regarded debt finance partner Chris Molen, who joined the Atlanta office in January.
Kay McNab, chair of the firm’s Public Finance Department, said Neighbors enhances the significant capabilities of McGuireWoods and its public affairs arm, McGuireWoods Consulting, in negotiating and implementing P3 and economic development deals.
“Ken’s extensive history with P3 and infrastructure projects will provide important and immediate benefits to our public finance clients,” McNab said.
“McGuireWoods has been a national leader in developing innovative financing strategies for clients and I am proud to join such a talented and respected team,” Neighbors said.
McGuireWoods’ public finance lawyers pioneered the use of financing strategies such as public-private partnerships; special revenue, tax and assessment pledges; lease financings; and tax and revenue anticipation vehicles to achieve clients’ objectives. The firm has served as bond counsel to more than 250 counties, cities, towns, service authorities, sanitary districts and other issuing entities.