The search committee for a new CEO of Atlanta Housing has picked Terri Lee, the agency’s chief operating officer, to be the next leader. The board of Atlanta Housing is expected to approve Lee as the new CEO during its next board meeting scheduled for Jan. 24. She will succeed Eugene Jones, who announced his […]
Author Archives: Maria Saporta
Maria Saporta, executive editor, is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist with a deep knowledge of our city, our region and state. From 2008 to 2020, she wrote weekly columns and news stories for the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Prior to that, she spent 27 years with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, becoming its business columnist in 1991. Maria received her Master’s degree in urban studies from Georgia State and her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University. Maria was born in Atlanta to European parents and has two young adult children. She launched SaportaReport in February 2009.
Posted inLatest News
Raphael Bostic paints fairly rosy economic picture at Atlanta Rotary
In his annual talk to the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Federal Reserve of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic compared the economic situation to last year’s forecast.
Posted inColumns
Pedro Cherry, 2024 chair of Georgia Chamber, to focus on economic opportunity
As the Georgia Chamber of Commerce enters a new year, one theme is on its mind – how to make sure Georgia maintains its standing (10 years running) as the best state for business.
Posted inLatest News
Messages of peace will flood Atlanta during the 2024 King holiday week
From Jan. 8 to Jan. 16, the 2024 King Holiday Observance will celebrate the teachings of the late Martin Luther King Jr., who would have turned 95 on Jan. 15. This year’s theme: “It Starts with Me.”
Posted inColumns
‘Conserving America’s Wildlands’: Rhett Turner’s ode to his father
Rhett Turner, one of Ted Turner’s five children, has captured the spirit of his father in a recently published book – “Conserving America’s Wildlands: The Vision of Ted Turner.”
Posted inLatest News
The Gathering Spot reverts to original owners, operators
Ryan Wilson and TK Peterson – co-founders of “The Gathering Spot” – announced Thursday the company is once again independent because they have reacquired majority ownership.
Posted inLatest News
Open AI’s Sam Altman to co-chair AI Ethics Council with Atlanta’s John Hope Bryant
In his first public appearance since rejoining Open AI as CEO, Sam Altman took the stage at the HOPE Global Forums Dec. 11 to join in a conversation with Operation HOPE’s CEO and founder – John Hope Bryant.
Posted inColumns
Atlanta Committee for Progress united in supporting Andre Dickens and the city
Based on the turnout at ACP’s December meeting on Dec. 8 at the headquarters of King & Spalding, Mayor Dickens’ relationship with Atlanta’s business and civic leaders is as strong as that of any mayor since Shirley Franklin, who founded the group in 2003.
Posted inLatest News
HOPE Global Forums bringing impressive slate of world leaders to Atlanta
Between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12, the HOPE Global Forums will feature some of the best minds in the business, government and civic worlds – once again making Atlanta a centerpiece in the fight against poverty. This will be the 10th annual HOPE Global Forums – with Atlanta and the Hyatt Regency as its home base.
Posted inLatest News
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House breaking ground on new facility
On Wednesday, Dec. 6, Atlanta RMHC is breaking ground to build a new facility at the new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hospital campus where Arthur M. Blank Hospital is being constructed at North Druid Hills Road and I-85. The hospital will begin serving patients in fall 2024.
Posted inLatest News
Doug Shipman seeks balance with his picks for Atlanta City Council leaders
Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman carefully selected his 2024 committee assignments, making sure to rotate leadership among various city council members.
Posted inLatest News
Mayor Andre Dickens gives update to Atlanta Rotary, hints at a deal with WellStar
A warmly received Mayor Andre Dickens gave a State of the City update to the Rotary Club of Atlanta on Dec. 4, touting several accomplishments since he had last spoken to the organization in May 2022. The program began with a spotlight on a joint initiative between Rotary and the city – the Early Childhood […]
Posted inColumns
Atlanta Housing CEO search critical in city’s goal for affordable housing
The search for a new leader of Atlanta Housing has taken on greater significance given the city’s ambitious goal to add 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030 – with Atlanta Housing expected to deliver 10,000 of those units.
Posted inLatest News
World Pediatric Project acquires Atlanta-based Childspring International
World Pediatric Project, a non-profit based in Richmond, Va. that provides pediatric surgical and diagnostic care, is acquiring Atlanta-based Childspring International, a humanitarian organization specializing in connecting children to pediatric medical care. The two organizations signed the transaction in late November.
Posted inColumns
Atlanta needs to better protect and expand its tree canopy
For nearly a dozen years, there’s been aborted effort after aborted effort to strengthen Atlanta’s tree ordinance and expand the city’s tree canopy. Fortunately, after months (even years) of little to no progress, there’s now movement.
Posted inLatest News
Protected land around Amicalola Falls State Park triples in size
The Conservation Fund and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced Nov. 21 the addition of 2,000 acres to the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area in north Georgia – more than tripling the state conservation lands around Amicalola Falls State Park.
Posted inColumns
For the sake of the planet, let’s move away from gas leaf blowers and lawn equipment
Few sounds make me angrier than gas-powered leaf blowers. Every time I hear them, they disturb our environment by emitting hazardous fumes and noise pollution in our communities. In fact, gas-powered leaf blowers are among the greatest contributors to air pollution in Georgia and beyond. A new report by Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center […]
Posted inColumns
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens as next chair of ARC: ‘I will bring my whole self’
Several milestones were reached on Nov. 8 when the board of the Atlanta Regional Commission unanimously elected Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to be its next chair beginning Jan. 1.
Posted inLatest News
ARC unanimously elects Andre Dickens as next board chair
At its regular board meeting on Nov. 8, the ARC board voted unanimously (in a voice vote with no nays or abstentions) to elect Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens as its next chair. He will serve for a two-year term beginning on Jan. 1.
Posted inColumns
Piedmont Park Conservancy’s Doug Widener: ‘It was meant to be’
Doug Widener, the new president and CEO of the Piedmont Park Conservancy, believes he was destined to move to Atlanta.
