The Atlanta Regional Commission had its official transition of executive leadership Wednesday when it held its first in-person board meeting since the COVID pandemic.
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
Interface names Laurel Hurd of Newell Brands as its new CEO
One of Georgia’s most environmentally-friendly companies – Interface Inc. – has selected a new president and CEO.
Posted inColumns
MARTA launches new on-demand pilot program while facing key decisions
As MARTA enters a pivotal moment for regional transit in Atlanta, it has launched a pilot program that could radically change how the agency serves riders.
Posted inLatest News
International Women’s Day program explores gains, losses for women
Women continue to face challenges as political conflicts and the global pandemic have eroded some of the progress gained in the past decade.
Posted inColumns, Maria's Metro
Spring is in the air as Atlanta reopens with relaxed COVID restrictions
Our world in Atlanta is reopening – almost as quickly as it closed nearly two years ago – a fact that hit home this past week.
Posted inColumns
Give Mayor Andre Dickens freedom to name his team to Atlanta Housing’s board
It’s time to get out of the lawsuit business. So proclaimed several board members of the Atlanta Housing authority at a specially-called (virtual) meeting on Feb. 16 when the board approved a settlement agreement with the Integral Group and its development partners over 88 acres of land next to four mixed-income projects.
Posted inLatest News
‘Green Cabinet’ to advise Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens on parks and greenspace
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced Wednesday that he will have a Greenspace Advisory Council to help guide city policy when it comes to its parks and natural areas.
Posted inColumns
Planner Tim Keane: ‘Atlanta needs to change a lot’
After six-and-a-half years in Atlanta, Tim Keane is moving on to greener pastures – Boise, Idaho. Keane’s final day as the City of Atlanta’s planning commissioner will be Friday, Feb. 18, and his presence in Atlanta will certainly be missed.
Posted inLatest News
Real estate leader Ted Schwartz joins Delmont Early’s Carter Hill Advisors to create impact
Ted Schwartz, a real estate professional for more than 25 years, is joining the boutique firm of Carter Hill Advisors, a Black-owned company founded by Delmont “Dell” A. Early III. Earlier this week, he resigned from the Joel & Granot firm, where he had been for seven years
Posted inLatest News
TK Elevator opens its North American HQ with a vision of healthier cities
As it opens its North American headquarters today adjacent to Truist Park, TK Elevator envisions playing an important role in the urbanization of the world.
Posted inLatest News
Atlanta’s Community Foundation adds seven board members
New board members of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta met on Monday as the philanthropic organization is reinforcing its focus on creating a more equitable region.
Posted inColumns
FCS raises nearly $8.6 million to revitalize Historic South Atlanta
Focused Community Strategies (FCS) is attempting to revitalize the neighborhood known as Historic South Atlanta by focusing on single-family home ownership, multifamily and community business development.
Posted inLatest News
Atlanta Committee for Progress names Kathy Waller as new executive director
Kathy Waller, retired chief financial officer of the Coca-Cola Co., has been named executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress in what is one of the most influential civic roles in the city.
Posted inLatest News
Atlanta’s Community in Schools receives $4 million gift from MacKenzie Scott
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta announced Thursday that it has $4 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott – the largest single gift it has received in its 50-year history.
Posted inColumns
Jamestown’s Ponce City Market expansion seeks reduced incentives
Jamestown is proceeding with its plans to expand Ponce City Market, and it is modifying its request for tax incentives from the Fulton County Development Authority.
Posted inLatest News
Celebration of life for MARTA’s Jeff Parker a plea for more mental health support
An overflow crowd attended the Celebration of Life memorial service for Jeffrey Parker at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Saturday morning.
Posted inColumns
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens infusing City Hall with new energy
Although he’s been in office less than a month, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens already has done more in a matter of weeks than some have done in years.
Posted inLatest News
Georgia Research Alliance names three new Augusta University eminent scholars
For the first time in its history, the Georgia Research Alliance is bringing three new scholars at one of its member institutions – Augusta University.
Posted inColumns
A rebranded WABE aims to better serve Atlanta region
Big changes are underway at Public Broadcasting Atlanta – including the name. This week, Public Broadcasting Atlanta will be replaced by an umbrella brand – WABE – best known as Atlanta’s public radio station.
Posted inLatest News
MARTA names Collie Greenwood as its interim general manager
MARTA’s board of directors held an emergency meeting Saturday afternoon following the Friday night death of Jeffrey Parker, general manager and CEO of the transit agency.
