A new organization, Upson Environmental & Government Transparency, was formed last month in response to a proposed $1 billion plastic pyrolysis facility from the California-based company Brightmark in Thomaston, Ga. Brightmark, founded in 2016, previously aimed to build a similar facility in Macon, Ga., which would have been the world’s largest plastic-to-fuel facility but was […]
Category: Latest News
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Mayor Andre Dickens and John Hope Bryant launch Aspiration Tour
A standing-room only crowd filled the atrium of Atlanta’s City Hall Thursday for the kick-off of the American Aspiration Tour in an effort to promote financial literacy for everyone.
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Dan Cathy suspends plans for Midtown connector park over expressway
Doug Hooker, CEO of Connector Park Foundation Inc., issued a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the project was on hold because of a lack of government support.
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Sundance Institute selects Atlanta as one of six finalists for the film festival
The Sundance Institute announced July 19 that Atlanta is one of six remaining finalists to host the annual Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027.
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Atlanta Beltline refreshes its logo, website
A new logo and website for the Atlanta BeltLine is being unveiled to better reflect how the project has evolved over the past 19 years.
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Georgia technology leader Lee Herron dies of cancer
One of the longest-serving technology leaders in Georgia – Lee Herron – has died after a long battle with cancer.
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New training program launches for emerging real estate developers in Atlanta
A new training program called the Equitable Development Initiative is looking to train investors to bring more affordable housing to Atlanta. The program is being organized by Capital Impact Partners, a community development financial institution (CDFI) and part of the Momentus Capital brand which focuses on financing for disinvested communities. The application period closed on […]
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Georgia Tech team among three teams to win final phase of DOE Community Energy Innovation Prize
The U.S. Department of Energy announced three student-led teams as winners for the final phase of its Collegiate Track of the American-Made Community Energy Innovation Prize, including one team from Atlanta. This final phase called the IMPACT phase, awarded the three teams’ community partners a total of $100,000. The pitch to be selected as a […]
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Advocacy group keeps up push for BeltLine rail
Atlanta’s BeltLine remains a hotbed for impassioned residents as groups disagree over the future of the 22-mile path that loops over the city – and its future. Factions have split over the development of a light rail that would line the corridor and move alongside pedestrians and cyclists. Supporters say the rail plan is faithful to […]
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AI Ethics Council balancing concerns and opportunities
The AI Ethics Council is helping provide a framework around ethical issues related to artificial intelligence, according to John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE.
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Metro Atlanta population hits 5.2 million in 11-county region this year
The Atlanta Regional Commission’s annual population estimates released on July 10 show the region added 62,700 residents between April 2023 and April 2024, a slight downtick in growth from 2022-2023. But the population estimates were not officially voted on by the ARC board at the July 10 joint Atlanta Regional Commission and Transportation and Air […]
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Roots plants itself in Atlanta as a lucrative option in rental scene
Roots, a privately held Regulation A+ Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), is using a mutually beneficial “win-win” model to make renting more rewarding for their tenants and themselves. The “Live In It Like You Own It” model is simple: renters earn a rent rebate each quarter for being a good tenant. The relationship is designed […]
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Georgia names new statewide literacy coach to boost reading
In the wake of a national literacy crisis, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and statewide Council on Literacy have appointed longtime educator Sarah Richards as the Georgia Literacy Coach. “The Council has added a leader to the team that is knowledgeable, well-versed in the science of reading and passionate about helping underperforming students achieve […]
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Atlanta’s e-bike program kicks into gear
In early 2024, the City of Atlanta announced a joint electric bike rebate program alongside the Atlanta Regional Commission and Propel ATL. That time has finally arrived. Starting Sunday June 16, City of Atlanta residents could apply for one of four rebate program tiers: Expecting a high demand of applicants, the city only gave a […]
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After widespread opposition, MARTA decides to pause Five Points Station renovation
MARTA announced Wednesday it is pausing the controversial project to renovate the Five Points MARTA Station.
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Taking a pluralistic approach to the environment and Mother Earth
A unique gathering of 130 Atlanta leaders from multiple faith recently gathered to explore “Our Shared Planet” at the Kendeda building on the Georgia Tech campus.
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Advocates protest Five Points MARTA station closure
A coalition of organizations and advocates demanded a stop to the upcoming MARTA Five Points Station construction project at a June 25 press conference and rally in front of the heavily trafficked transit hub. “This is a moment that we need better transit, and plowing ahead with this ill conceived plan is the wrong direction,” […]
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Invest Atlanta greenlights funds for next stage of Centennial Yards project
Centennial Yards is heading into the next phase of its 50 acre development after the board of Invest Atlanta approved the developers’ sale of about $557 million in bonds and certificates to pay for the next phase. “We anticipate breaking ground on the entertainment district next month which is very, very exciting. “ CIM Group […]
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Jai Ferrell will be new CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta recently announced business leader Jai Ferrell will be the council’s new CEO, and the incoming leader is ready to “go beyond the cookie” starting July 1. It marks the end of a nationwide search for the youth organization’s leader. Former CEO Amy Dosik served from 2014 until mid-2023 when she […]
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Atlanta launches lottery for discounted e-bikes
On a sweltering Sunday, Atlanta’s cyclists and citizens showed out for the launch of the city’s first-ever e-bike rebate program on June 16. People could test drive e-bikes from a number of participating bike shops at the event, kicking off the rebate lottery at Atlanta Streets Alive. The monthly open streets event encourages residents to […]
