Waymo has arrived in Atlanta. What is the experience like for riders and who is left out of consideration when autonomous vehicles are in the mix?
Category: Atlanta Way 2.0

Atlanta Way 2.0’s columns showcase original reporting, commentary, and collaborative insights at the intersection of journalism and civic engagement in Atlanta. Through our Journalism Internship and Fellowship Program, emerging reporters explore how storytelling can strengthen community ties, illuminate local challenges, and advance collective problem-solving across the region.
In addition, we feature columns from partner organizations whose missions align with Atlanta Way 2.0—highlighting collaborative projects, cross-sector initiatives, and innovative approaches to community leadership.
Rooted in the historic concept of The Atlanta Way—a civic tradition where business and community leaders worked together to solve problems—the Atlanta Way 2.0 reimagines this legacy for today. Our nonprofit elevates efforts that reflect a more inclusive, connected, and community-driven model of civic leadership, bringing together voices from across sectors and backgrounds to advance the greater good.
Explore columns that capture how Atlanta’s leaders, residents, and emerging journalists are working collectively to shape a stronger, more equitable future for our region.
From campus to community: How a new generation builds belonging
Throughout my college education, I’m learning that college isn’t only about the books. Some places transform people, and college is one of those places. A college campus can serve many purposes — a place for education, a place where relationships form and a place where life-changing events occur. A college campus is also a place […]
Laughing with, not at: How two Atlanta creatives use comedy to spark civic connection
On Tuesday, June 10, more than 60 people packed into “Dad’s Garage Theatre “for a live taping of the “What’s Good, Atlanta?” podcast, a civic storytelling show that blends comedy, poetry and public interest. Produced by local creatives Mark Kendall and David Perdue (no relation to the former U.S. Senator from Georgia). The show brought […]
Art in Action festival puts Atlanta’s cultural legacy in the spotlight
The Art in Action documentary festival on June 20 showcased the talent and expression of Black voices in the community. The festival featured four documentaries highlighting black experiences and real-life stories.
‘Hear our voices’: What Gen Z wants from our city
I’ve been thinking a lot about change this summer — what it looks like, who drives it and how cities can listen better. As a Gen Z Atlantan and a graduate student in urban studies, I’ve spent time studying the systems that shape our cities. But I’ve also been talking to the people who live […]
Discovering the AUC’s role in the Atlanta Way
This summer, Atlanta Way 2.0 and SaportaReport are partnering on an initiative to strengthen the civic fabric of greater Atlanta through journalism. Our two amazing interns will share their journey in our weekly column. Here, Asia Woodard reflects on her first few weeks as an Atlanta Way 2.0 intern. What do you think of when you […]
Lessons from the past and present
This summer Atlanta Way 2.0 and SaportaReport are partnering on an initiative to strengthen the civic fabric of greater Atlanta through journalism. We have two amazing interns who will share their journey here in our weekly column. Here Gabriella Hart reflects on her first few weeks as an Atlanta Way 2.0 intern. Upon beginning this project […]
A bold Idea to help nonprofits
Together, we can help 900+ nonprofits this summer—and the ripple effect could touch countless lives. Let’s build nonprofit capacity, unlock potential, and empower the people doing the hardest, most important work out there.
A personal journey of leadership, transformation and gratitude
By Nadia Rahali, General Manager of the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta When I was asked to contribute to and host Atlanta Way 2.0 during a Rotary Lunch atThe Loudermilk Center, I knew immediately that my answer had to be yes. It wasn’t just an opportunity. It felt like a responsibility. One rooted in the deep […]
Press pass to success: Connecting Atlanta’s future journalists with the Industry
By Britton Edwards, COO, Atlanta Way 2.0 On Saturday, the energy inside Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) was palpable as aspiring journalists gathered for Press Pass to Success, an inspiring and informative event designed to support the next generation of storytellers. A partnership between Atlanta Way 2.0, VOX ATL, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the […]
Atlanta Way 2.0: Building our future together
Heather Fortner reflects on a recent Atlanta Way 2.0 event where she met with other civic-minded Atlantans. “Atlanta is at an inflection point. The challenges we face are real, but so is the opportunity. We have the talent, the creativity, and the collaborative spirit to shape a city that leads with inclusion, that innovates through connection, and that thrives on purpose.”
Atlanta Way Day: A call for changemakers
Mark your calendars! This September, Atlanta Way Day — powered by Atlanta Way 2.0 — will bring together the region’s most passionate problem-solvers to highlight social challenges and provide real solutions that strengthen Metro Atlanta’s civic fabric. Atlanta Way Day isn’t just about identifying problems — it’s about taking action to fix them. This event […]
Walking Through History: How Oakland Cemetery Connects Atlanta’s Past, Present, and Future
A walk around Oakland Cemetery is a trip through Atlanta’s history and also a journey into the heart of the civic fabric of our city.
Empowering communities through civic engagement
With a 27-year track record of engaging community stakeholders, the Cobb Collaborative is a proud partner of the Southern Poverty Law Center and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s Vote Your Voice program. The purpose of the program is to build capacity and scale our voter outreach and civic engagement efforts. We regularly convene community stakeholders […]
Inspired to serve: Atlanta’s Ismaili Muslim community and a visionary leader
I still remember the first time that I was introduced to the local Shia Ismaili Muslim community. It was at a Chai and Chat networking event at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Decatur. From that moment I knew that these were my people! I knew that our shared values of service, pluralism, and ethical leadership aligned […]
Atlanta Way 2.0 Kicks Off with Transformative Activator Orientations
By Britton Edwards, COO Atlanta Way 2.0 This past week marked the exciting launch of Atlanta Way 2.0’s Activator Orientations! Participation in these events wasn’t just about showing up — it was an investment in the power of connection, collaboration and convening to build a stronger, more united Atlanta. Throughout this incredible week, we witnessed […]
Dr. King’s legacy honored at 11th annual Sunday Supper Series focused on Environmental Justice
By Britton Edwards, COO Atlanta Way 2.0 On Monday, the King Center hosted the Beloved Community Commemorative Service, marking the culmination of the 40th Annual King Holiday Observance Week with a multiracial, multigenerational, and interfaith celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy. Held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the service featured powerful messages, including […]
Atlanta Way 2.0 announces first dates for Activator Orientation Events in 2025
At the heart of the Atlanta Way 2.0 movement are Activators! Activators are people who embody the Atlanta Way 2.0 spirit every day. They help others solve problems, make connections, advance their cause, and strive to make Atlanta the best city it can be. Atlanta Way 2.0 currently has 600 Activators signed up for our movement. […]
How a phone call nearly 30 years ago helped create community
By María Saporta It was a call Hala Moddelmog says changed her life, at least her career. It was back in 1995. Moddelmog, who had been in the food service business since 1981, had just been promoted to president of Atlanta-based Church’s Chicken chain of restaurants, the first woman to get such a job nationally […]
Advancing Social Capital for Upward Mobility
By Debra Lam and Chad Nash, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation Have you ever benefited from social capital? Think about a time when someone helped expand your network, offered valuable insights, or opened doors to new opportunities that helped you grow professionally. Did it make a difference in your career? If so, you’re not alone. Social […]
