Day: January 23, 2026

Georgia’s energy future took a decisive turn after state regulators unanimously approved a sweeping expansion plan from Georgia Power that would increase electricity generation capacity by roughly 50%. The decision clears the way for about 10,000 megawatts of new power, an amount large enough to reshape how electricity is produced, priced, and consumed across the state. While the vote was unanimous, the debate surrounding it has been anything but settled, especially in metro Atlanta, where data centers, population growth, and energy demand are converging at an unprecedented scale.

At the core of the plan is a bet on the future. Georgia Power and state officials argue that explosive growth in data centers, particularly those tied to artificial intelligence workloads, will drive electricity demand far beyond current capacity. Critics counter that the projections are optimistic, the financial risks unevenly distributed, and the environmental trade-offs too significant to gloss over. The approval marks the beginning of a long implementation phase, but it also exposes deeper questions about how Georgia balances economic ambition with consumer protection and environmental responsibility.

Why Is Georgia Expanding Its Power Supply So Aggressively?

The primary driver behind the expansion is the rapid rise of data centers. These facilities operate around the clock, require massive amounts of electricity, and prioritize reliability above all else. Georgia has become an attractive destination for them thanks to its business-friendly policies, access to fiber infrastructure, and relatively low electricity costs. Atlanta, in particular, has emerged as a regional hub for data processing and cloud infrastructure.

Georgia Power argues that failing to expand generation capacity would risk shortages and undermine the state’s ability to attract large-scale investment. Building ahead of demand, according to the utility, ensures grid reliability and positions Georgia as a competitive alternative to states like Texas and North Carolina. Supporters of the plan also contend that large corporate customers will shoulder a meaningful share of the cost, potentially stabilizing or even lowering rates for residential customers over time.

This framing casts the expansion as proactive rather than reactive, an infrastructure investment designed to secure long-term economic growth rather than merely respond to short-term demand spikes.

What Are Critics Worried About When It Comes To Demand Forecasts?

The strongest criticism centers on whether the projected demand will actually materialize. Technology trends move quickly, and efficiency gains in computing can significantly reduce energy use per unit of output. If data center operators optimize hardware or shift workloads, the anticipated surge in electricity consumption could fall short.

In that scenario, Georgia Power would be left with excess generation capacity. Utilities are typically allowed to recover the cost of large capital investments through rate structures approved by regulators. If demand lags, the financial burden does not disappear. It shifts. Residential and small business customers could see higher bills to cover infrastructure that is underutilized.

This risk is not hypothetical. Utilities across the country have faced similar situations in past decades when demand forecasts overshot reality. Critics argue that approving such a large expansion based on uncertain projections exposes ratepayers to long-term financial commitments with limited recourse.

How Could This Decision Affect Electricity Bills In Atlanta?

The question of who ultimately pays is central to the debate. Georgia Power maintains that data centers and other large customers will contribute significantly to the cost of new generation through negotiated agreements and usage-based charges. However, consumer advocates note that if those revenues do not meet expectations, traditional rate structures often spread the shortfall across all customers.

Atlanta residents already face rising costs tied to housing, insurance, and transportation. Even modest increases in utility bills can have outsized effects on household budgets, particularly for lower-income communities. Critics worry that the expansion could lock the state into decades of cost recovery obligations that limit flexibility in future rate decisions.

Supporters respond that failing to expand capacity could lead to even higher costs if shortages emerge or if Georgia loses economic activity to other states. The disagreement reflects differing assessments of risk rather than a simple dispute over numbers.

What Does The Expansion Mean For Georgia’s Energy Mix?

Another flashpoint is fuel choice. While the plan includes some investment in newer technologies, much of the additional capacity relies on natural gas. Natural gas is cleaner than coal, but remains a fossil fuel with associated carbon emissions and environmental impacts.

Environmental advocates argue that committing to large-scale gas infrastructure now could crowd out future investment in renewables, storage, and efficiency programs. Once built, power plants are designed to operate for decades, potentially locking Georgia into an energy mix that conflicts with long-term climate goals.

Proponents counter that natural gas provides reliability that intermittent renewable sources cannot yet fully replace, especially for data centers that require uninterrupted power. They also point to the challenges of scaling battery storage quickly enough to meet projected demand.

The tension highlights a broader national debate about how quickly states can transition toward cleaner energy without compromising grid stability.

Why Did Regulators Approve The Plan Despite These Concerns?

The unanimous vote does not mean regulators were unconcerned. Several commissioners publicly acknowledged the risks tied to demand forecasting, cost allocation, and fuel choice. However, they ultimately concluded that the expansion was preferable to the alternative of constrained capacity and potential reliability issues.

Regulators also retain oversight during the implementation phase. Rate cases, cost reviews, and project approvals will unfold over time, providing opportunities to adjust assumptions or impose conditions. In that sense, the vote represents authorization rather than a blank check.

Still, the approval underscores the influence of economic development considerations in energy policy decisions. Maintaining Georgia’s reputation as a reliable, low-cost energy state remains a powerful incentive for regulators navigating competing priorities.

What This Means For Atlanta’s Long-Term Outlook

For Atlanta, the implications are significant. The city stands to benefit from continued investment, job creation, and its growing role in the digital economy. At the same time, residents bear much of the downside risk if costs rise or environmental impacts intensify.

The expansion plan places Atlanta at the intersection of technological growth and energy policy uncertainty. Whether it becomes a model for strategic infrastructure investment or a cautionary tale about overbuilding will depend on how demand evolves and how rigorously costs are managed.

What is clear is that the decision reshapes Georgia’s energy trajectory. The debate is no longer about whether the grid will grow, but about who pays, what fuels dominate, and how flexible the system remains in a rapidly changing economy.

Christmas looks effortless on the surface. Gifts arrive on doorsteps, meals show up hot and on time, and stores stay stocked through the final rush. Behind that smooth experience is a workforce that expands quietly every December, absorbs the pressure of the season, and then largely disappears from view once the holidays end. Gig workers have become the backbone of the modern Christmas economy.

Over the past decade, holiday spending has shifted heavily toward online shopping and on-demand services. That shift has changed who does the work. Instead of relying mainly on full-time retail staff and permanent logistics teams, businesses now depend on a vast network of contract drivers, warehouse pickers, couriers, installers, cleaners, and temporary laborers. Christmas no longer runs only on storefronts and sales clerks. It runs on flexible, on-call labor.

The reason is scale. December demand rises fast and falls just as quickly. Online orders surge, delivery windows shrink, and customers expect speed regardless of weather, traffic, or time of day. Gig work allows companies to meet those spikes without committing to long-term payroll costs. Workers sign on when demand is high, take on longer shifts, and cover nights, weekends, and holidays that traditional schedules avoid.

For many gig workers, Christmas is the most intense period of the year. Delivery drivers handle heavier volumes and tighter deadlines. Warehouse workers process nonstop orders under time pressure. Food couriers and service workers fill the gaps when families outsource meals, errands, and last-minute needs. The work is often physically demanding, repetitive, and fast-paced, with little room for error.

There is an upside. The holiday season can bring more available jobs and higher earnings, especially for those who know how to work peak hours. For some workers, December income helps cover rent, pay down debt, or fund their own holiday expenses. Flexibility remains the appeal. People can log in when they need money and step back when they cannot commit to a fixed schedule.

But the costs rise alongside the opportunity. Long hours increase fatigue and injury risk. Traffic congestion, weather, and late-night work add stress. Most gig workers do not receive paid holidays, overtime protections, or guaranteed income. Once January arrives and demand drops, many see their earnings fall sharply, with no safety net to smooth the transition.

The holiday season highlights a broader economic reality. Gig workers are treated as supplemental labor, yet during peak periods, they become essential infrastructure. Without them, delivery timelines would stretch, shelves would empty faster, and service expectations would collapse. Christmas does not create this dependence. It exposes it.

Cities feel the effects as well. Increased delivery traffic strains roads and parking. Warehouses and fulfillment centers operate at full capacity, affecting nearby neighborhoods. Emergency services and municipal systems absorb spillover from higher activity levels. The seasonal surge reveals how deeply on-demand labor is woven into local economies, often faster than regulations or infrastructure can adapt.

The reliance on gig workers also fuels ongoing debates about labor protections and responsibility. Supporters argue that flexibility empowers workers and keeps costs manageable for consumers. Critics counter that essential work should not come without stability, especially when businesses plan entire seasons around labor that lacks basic protections. Christmas intensifies these questions because it concentrates demand and makes the imbalance visible.

In many ways, the holiday economy is a preview of the future of work. Short-term contracts, algorithm-driven scheduling, and income tied closely to demand cycles are no longer exceptions. They are becoming standard. Christmas simply magnifies the model.

When the season ends, decorations come down, and spending slows. The workers who made it all happen move on to the next shift, the next app, the next peak. The gifts remain under the tree, but the labor that delivered them fades back into the background. Understanding Christmas today means recognizing that the holiday runs not just on tradition and generosity, but on millions of workers who carry the season when demand is at its highest.

Most startups don’t fail because the idea was bad. They fail because the wrong people were in the room when decisions mattered. Team composition quietly determines speed, judgment, culture, and survival long before revenue or press ever show up.

Building the “perfect” startup team isn’t about stacking resumes or chasing prestige. It’s about assembling a group of people whose skills, incentives, and psychology fit the brutal uncertainty of early-stage work.

Start With Problems, Not Roles

Founders often begin with job titles: CEO, CTO, CMO. That’s backward. Early startups don’t need departments; they need problems solved. Product gaps, customer confusion, technical bottlenecks, cash flow pressure—these are the real requirements.

The right early hires are people who can absorb ambiguity and still move forward. Someone who needs perfect instructions or stable processes will struggle. The team should be built around what must be solved in the next six to twelve months, not what a mature company might look like later.

This is why many successful startups delay hiring specialists. Generalists who can switch contexts, learn fast, and execute without hand-holding often outperform highly specialized hires in the early phase.

Complementarity Beats Brilliance

A common mistake is hiring people who think the same way as the founder. It feels efficient at first. Fewer arguments, faster agreement. But that sameness becomes dangerous when blind spots stack up.

Strong teams are complementary. One person might be product-obsessed. Another is operationally disciplined. Another is skeptical and risk-aware. The tension between these perspectives, when healthy, improves decisions.

The goal is not harmony. The goal is productive friction. If everyone agrees too quickly, something is being missed.

Shared Risk Is More Important Than Shared Vision

Vision matters, but shared risk matters more. Early startup work is uneven, stressful, and often underpaid. People who join early must be aligned not just on direction, but on sacrifice.

Equity structures play a role here, but mindset matters even more. Early team members should understand that outcomes are uncertain and that effort doesn’t guarantee success. If someone expects stability too early, resentment grows fast.

Trust builds when everyone knows they’re exposed to the same upside and downside. That shared exposure creates accountability no performance review ever could.

Hire for Judgment, Not Just Skill

Skills can be taught. Judgment is harder.

Early hires make decisions without full information. They choose what to build, what to ignore, and when to push back. A highly skilled person with poor judgment can sink momentum faster than an average performer with strong instincts.

One way to evaluate judgment is to ask candidates to talk through past failures. Not what went wrong, but how they decided. Look for people who can explain trade-offs, uncertainty, and mistakes without defensiveness.

Good judgment shows up as clarity under pressure.

Culture Forms Faster Than You Think

Culture is not your values deck. It’s what people do when there’s no rule yet.

Early hires set norms that are hard to undo. How feedback is given. How deadlines are treated. How conflict is handled. These behaviors become default patterns.

That’s why early hiring mistakes hurt disproportionately. A single toxic or disengaged team member can silently train everyone else how little effort is acceptable or how unsafe honesty feels.

Founders often underestimate how quickly culture calcifies. By the time it feels “off,” it’s already entrenched.

Slow Down to Speed Up

Rushed hiring feels productive. It isn’t.

Every hire adds communication overhead, complexity, and emotional weight. Bringing someone in too early or for the wrong reasons often creates more work, not less.

Strong founders pause before hiring and ask one question: Is this problem better solved by a person or by better focus? Many early problems disappear when priorities sharpen.

When hiring is necessary, moving slower to evaluate fit usually saves months of cleanup later.

Let the Team Evolve

The perfect startup team at month six is rarely the perfect team at year three.

Some early hires outgrow their roles. Some roles outgrow the people in them. This isn’t failure; it’s natural scaling. The mistake is pretending the team must stay frozen to preserve loyalty or culture.

Healthy startups allow roles to evolve honestly. They support growth where possible and make clean transitions where necessary. Avoiding these conversations damages morale more than having them.

The Real Measure of a “Perfect” Team

A perfect startup team isn’t one that never struggles. It’s one that handles struggle well.

They argue without imploding. They adapt without ego. They own mistakes without blame. They move fast without losing judgment.

Ideas can pivot. Markets can shift. Funding can dry up. But a team with trust, complementary strengths, and shared risk can survive those shocks.

That’s the kind of perfection that actually matters.

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, singer and entrepreneur Ciara, announced a $500,000 commitment to support community-focused initiatives in Atlanta, reinforcing their ongoing involvement in local philanthropic efforts.

The pledge is intended to fund programs addressing a range of community needs, including youth development, education, and neighborhood-based support services. While specific recipient organizations were not immediately disclosed, the couple said the funding would be directed toward initiatives with direct, measurable impact on Atlanta residents.

The announcement comes at a time when Wilson remains the subject of national discussion regarding his professional future in the NFL. However, the focus of the pledge centers on Atlanta, where Wilson and Ciara have maintained longstanding ties through charitable work and community engagement. Their efforts in the city have previously included support for youth programs, school partnerships, and outreach initiatives aimed at underserved populations.

Local leaders and community advocates have emphasized the significance of high-profile philanthropic commitments that remain rooted in long-term investment rather than one-time donations. The couple’s contribution reflects a broader trend of athletes and entertainers leveraging their platforms to support civic causes at the local level.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, the couple highlighted Atlanta’s role as a cultural and economic center with deep community networks. They described the city as a place where targeted investment can create lasting opportunities, particularly for young people and families facing economic challenges.

Atlanta has long attracted philanthropic interest from national figures due to its history of civil rights leadership, entrepreneurial activity, and vibrant arts scene. Community organizations in the region often rely on private donations to supplement public funding, especially for programs focused on youth mentorship and educational access.

The $500,000 pledge adds to a growing list of recent philanthropic commitments aimed at strengthening local infrastructure and community resilience in the Atlanta area. While the long-term impact of the funding will depend on how it is allocated, local nonprofit leaders say sustained financial support remains critical as demand for services continues to rise.

Representatives for Wilson and Ciara indicated that additional details about partnerships and program rollouts are expected in the coming months. For now, the announcement underscores the couple’s continued focus on community engagement in Atlanta, independent of broader national attention surrounding Wilson’s football career.

ATLANTA — City and county officials across metro Atlanta have opened overnight warming centers as a cold snap brings freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills to North Georgia, expanding short-term shelter options for residents without reliable heat and for people experiencing homelessness.

The City of Atlanta announced the activation of multiple warming centers as forecasts showed temperatures dropping to near or below freezing. City officials said the sites are designed to provide a safe, heated space during the coldest overnight hours and will remain open based on weather conditions and guidance from forecasters.

According to city notices, municipal recreation centers are being used as temporary warming locations, with transportation available from designated pickup points to help residents reach the sites. Officials emphasized that operating hours may change depending on updated forecasts and urged residents to check the latest city advisories before traveling.

Neighboring jurisdictions also activated cold-weather response plans. DeKalb County opened a network of warming centers at community facilities and partner organizations, some of which are operating extended or 24-hour schedules during the coldest periods. County officials said transportation assistance and coordinated intake are being provided through contracted service partners.

Warming centers are typically activated when temperatures or wind chills are expected to reach hazardous levels for a sustained period. Local governments stressed that capacity can be limited and that activation times may shift as weather conditions evolve.

The cold snap follows weeks of milder winter weather in the region. Meteorologists say the current pattern is bringing a sharper drop in temperatures, increasing the risk of cold-related illness for people without adequate shelter or heating. Public health officials recommend checking on vulnerable neighbors, using space heaters safely, and seeking shelter if indoor temperatures become unsafe.

City and county leaders said the warming centers are part of a broader seasonal response that includes outreach teams, transportation coordination, and partnerships with nonprofit providers. Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to monitor official city and county channels for real-time updates on locations, hours, and transportation options as the cold spell continues.

Homeless service organizations across Georgia, including many operating in Atlanta, are racing to adjust after recent federal rule changes altered how homelessness funding will be distributed in the coming year. The changes, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, prioritize short-term and transitional housing programs over permanent supportive housing, a move that advocates say could significantly reshape how cities respond to homelessness.

Under the revised guidance, agencies applying for federal Continuum of Care grants now face uncertainty about whether long-term housing projects will remain eligible for the same level of support. With re-applications due by mid-January, nonprofit leaders say the compressed timeline has left organizations scrambling to revise budgets, staffing plans, and service models with little clarity about future funding.

“This creates instability in a system that depends on predictability,” said housing advocates familiar with the process, noting that permanent supportive housing typically requires multi-year commitments to remain effective. Without assurance of sustained funding, providers warn they may be forced to scale back or redesign programs that were built to offer long-term housing paired with health, mental health, and employment services.

The timing is especially sensitive in Atlanta, where roughly 100 new supportive housing units have opened in recent months as part of broader efforts to reduce chronic homelessness. While those developments represent tangible progress, nonprofit leaders caution that a philosophical shift at the federal level could undermine similar projects planned for 2026 and beyond.

The new funding emphasis reflects a broader debate within homelessness policy circles about whether resources should focus on rapid transitions through shelter systems or long-term housing stability. Critics of the federal shift argue that permanent supportive housing has repeatedly proven to be the most effective way to reduce repeat homelessness, particularly for individuals with complex medical or behavioral health needs.

Service providers across metro Atlanta say the immediate concern is continuity. Transitional programs typically operate on shorter timelines, while permanent housing requires consistent funding to keep residents housed. A mismatch between local strategies and federal priorities, they warn, could result in service gaps just as demand for housing assistance continues to rise.

City officials and nonprofit leaders are now assessing how to align local homelessness strategies with the new federal framework without disrupting existing residents or derailing long-term housing goals. As Atlanta heads into 2026, the outcome of the upcoming grant cycle is expected to play a critical role in determining whether recent gains in supportive housing can be sustained or whether the city’s homelessness response will be forced into a new, less stable model.

ATLANTA — As 2026 gets underway, residents and businesses in Atlanta and the broader Georgia region are adapting to a wave of newly enacted laws at both the state and local levels. The changes span environmental policy, consumer regulations, zoning, and broader state law revisions that went into effect on January 1.

Statewide Legislation Now in Effect

Several new Georgia laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2025 session officially took effect with the start of the year, bringing reforms in areas ranging from consumer protections to vehicle licensing and professional services. These laws impact homeowners, drivers and local enterprises across the state, including Atlanta residents.

Among the key provisions now active are updates to professional licensing rules that respond to workforce shortages in fields such as accounting and dentistry, efforts to enhance homeowner protections by extending notice periods for insurance nonrenewals, and revised rules for vehicular temporary permits and immobilization devices. Special “America First” license plates are also now authorized under Georgia law, allowing motorists to display designs celebrating patriotic themes while supporting state funds.

Other statewide changes offer updated status on HVAC warranty transfers for homeowners, tighter homeowner notice standards for insurance changes, and increased uniformity in financial disclosures and campaign reporting for local elected officials.

New Local Ordinances in Atlanta

In addition to state law changes, Atlanta’s city government has enacted new local ordinances to address environmental sustainability and business regulations.

One prominent local measure is the city’s updated tree protection law, which represents the most significant revision to Atlanta’s tree conservation ordinance in more than two decades. The overhaul aims to combat declining urban canopy coverage and strengthen protections for trees in new development projects.

Another city measure requires “cool roofs” on new buildings and major replacements, mandating reflective roofing materials that help reduce urban heat, lower energy costs, and improve overall environmental resilience in the city’s built environment. This regulation places Atlanta at the forefront of local climate adaptation efforts.

Council members also approved zoning ordinances aimed at regulating vape shops, establishing a 1,000-foot minimum distance between such establishments and elementary and secondary schools. The new zone restrictions reflect broader public health considerations in urban planning.

Broader Regional Impact

While many of the most visible changes stem from the Georgia legislature and Atlanta City Council, other adjacent localities are filling gaps in state law with their own ordinances. For example, Metro Atlanta passed a renters’ rights ordinance that defines “habitable” living conditions for rental properties — a local move that fills perceived gaps in statewide protections for tenants.

What’s Not Covered Locally

Some legal changes associated with the new year occur at the state rather than city level. For example, Georgia’s laws governing fireworks usage around New Year celebrations remain in effect, including age restrictions and rules for where fireworks can be set off, though these are statewide rather than Atlanta-specific.

Officials have indicated that additional legislative sessions scheduled for later in 2026 may bring further reforms affecting local services, environmental policy, and business regulation. Atlanta residents planning construction, business expansions, or housing changes are encouraged to consult city planning resources and updated municipal codes for the latest compliance requirements.

In Brief

• New Georgia laws affecting zoning, vehicle licensing, professional services, and consumer protections took effect Jan. 1, 2026.
• Atlanta adopted updated tree conservation and cool roof ordinances to protect the urban canopy and address heat resilience.
• Vape shop zoning and other local regulations aim to align land use with public health goals.
• Local efforts supplement state law in areas such as renters’ rights and habitation standards.

Atlanta has been awarded $75 million in federal funds aimed at supporting revitalization and economic development projects in historically underserved communities, marking one of the largest such allocations in recent city history. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, which incentivizes private investment in low-income and economically distressed areas by providing tax credit subsidies to developers and investors who undertake eligible projects. This award underscores renewed federal focus on community investment and urban renewal.

How the Funds Work and Federal Oversight

Under the NMTC program, the federal government allocates tax credits that can be used by private investors to reduce their federal tax liabilities in exchange for funding qualifying redevelopment projects. Atlanta’s $75 million allocation will be deployed across multiple neighborhoods to support a range of initiatives — including commercial redevelopment, community facilities, mixed-use housing, and small business expansion — that might otherwise struggle to attract capital. Treasury officials have also signaled enhanced monitoring and restrictions on the use of these funds to align with recent federal policy directives that limit investments tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, following executive orders issued under President Donald Trump. This added oversight is intended to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in how the revitalization dollars are spent.

Targeted Impact on Historically Underserved Communities

City leaders and project backers have highlighted the priority given to “historically underserved” areas, which include neighborhoods that have faced decades of underinvestment and economic barriers. Stakeholders say the NMTC funding will help fill capital gaps and attract private sector partners to projects that create jobs, improve infrastructure, and expand access to essential services. Community development advocates argue that such investment can act as a catalyst for broader economic activity, drawing in new businesses, improving property conditions, and supporting long-term stability.

Potential Neighborhood Areas of Impact

While city officials have not finalized specific projects tied to the $75 million allocation, past redevelopment patterns and existing planning priorities offer clues about where the funds could be directed.

South Downtown and Mechanicsville
These areas have long been identified by city planners as targets for commercial revitalization and infrastructure investment. Previous public-private partnerships and proximity to major redevelopment corridors make them potential candidates for NMTC-supported projects.

Westside Neighborhoods Near the BeltLine
Communities on Atlanta’s Westside have received prior federal and local investment aimed at reversing decades of disinvestment. Economic development officials have cited these neighborhoods as ongoing priorities for job creation and small business support.

East Lake and Surrounding Communities
Areas with a mix of residential redevelopment and community facilities have historically aligned with NMTC objectives. Projects in these neighborhoods often focus on mixed-use development and access to essential services.

City officials have said additional details will be released as agreements with investment partners are finalized in the coming months.

Local Development Context and Broader Renewal Strategy

This federal allocation dovetails with Atlanta’s ongoing urban redevelopment strategy, which has seen multiple large-scale projects such as the Centennial Yards mixed-use development in downtown Atlanta — a multi-billion-dollar effort to transform underutilized space into vibrant commercial, residential, and entertainment districts. While that project is financed largely through private investment and local incentives, the NMTC funds add another layer of public support for community-oriented development across the city.

Officials from the city and Invest Atlanta — the city’s economic development authority — say the new federal funding will be integrated with local planning priorities to support jobs, bolster small business resilience, and improve neighborhood infrastructure. The exact mechanisms for disbursing the funds will be developed in coordination with community partners, economic planners, and private investors, with an emphasis on accountability and measurable outcomes.

What’s Next

Details on specific projects and timelines are expected to emerge in the coming months as Atlanta officials finalize agreements with investment partners and clarify how the NMTC funds will be leveraged. Community groups and local stakeholders are watching closely to ensure the awards translate into tangible improvements — from new retail and services to rehabilitated housing and enhanced public spaces — particularly in areas that have historically lacked access to capital.