AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Disrupts Metro Atlanta: A weekend storm line knocked out power for more than 50,000 customers at the peak, with about 5,000 still without electricity by Sunday afternoon, and crews cleared debris after downed trees blocked roads. Transportation Tech Grant: Chattanooga’s CARTA received a $25 million U.S. DOT grant to expand self-driving bus service, with residents split between safety worries and excitement for “the future” of transit. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest E85 in Chatham County at $2.99/gal for the week ending Aug. 29, while Spalding County’s lowest midgrade hit $4.02/gal and Jones County’s lowest diesel was $5.29/gal. Legal/Health: A Georgia jury awarded $23.6 million to the family of a Fitzgerald nursing home resident, finding PruittHealth liable in a long-term care rights case. AI Policy Moves: OpenAI hired state policy leaders to help shape how U.S. states regulate AI, signaling more state-by-state rulemaking ahead.

Local Business & Real Estate: A former Kohl’s big-box in Roswell is reopening today after a $28 million “from Kohl’s to souls” redevelopment, with Eagles Nest Church turning the 80,000-square-foot space into a faith outreach and event venue. Labor Day Operations: Georgia state offices, the State Capitol, and U.S. Postal Service locations are closed for the Sept. 7 holiday; banks are generally shut (ATMs/online may still work), and UPS/FedEx delivery schedules are affected. Hospitality & Consumer Impact: Dragon Con travelers say they lost Midtown hotel rooms after a surprise closure tied to a property sale and renovation, leaving some with no reservation record at a replacement hotel. Housing Development: A 267-unit rental community called Blitchton Village is proposed for Ellabell, with rezoning sought this fall and construction targeted for December 2027. Food & Agriculture: Georgia pumpkin patch season is underway, with several farms already open and more set to start in September.

Airport Funding: The FAA awarded Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport a $100 million grant for runway, taxiway and terminal reconstruction, with the broader Airport Infrastructure Grants program ending Sept. 30. Economic Development: Gov. Kemp highlighted another record year for Georgia economic development investments, including $35.2 billion in business investments for fiscal year 2026. Public Safety Tech: Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch says an audit found alleged Flock Safety misuse, with 3 employees fired and 4 resignations after 758 searches were reviewed. Community & Workforce: Georgia Southern’s fashion program is seeking fabric and notions donations to help students finish final projects. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy price reports show diesel and gasoline levels shifting across Georgia counties, with Peach County’s lowest premium diesel at $5.29 and Peach County premium gas at $4.32. Business Climate: Georgia’s grocery-bill pressure is driving political attention, with a push to lower costs for families. Sports & Consumer Spend: Braves-Phillies series coverage and Labor Day weekend travel and retail promos are driving weekend demand in metro Atlanta.

Public Safety & Policing Reform: A new Atlanta PAD-focused argument says the city should expand community responders and keep police for higher-level calls, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary enforcement. Public Health: Georgia DPH confirmed three more measles cases tied to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak, bringing the total to eight in that cluster and 14 statewide for 2026. Local Business & Talent Pipeline: Laurens County is pushing its second year of Georgia FLEX, giving rural high school students workshops and a chance to build entrepreneurial business plans. Economic Development & Infrastructure: Georgia Ports Authority touts fresh findings on the deepwater ports’ economic impact in a new UGA Terry College of Business report. Tech & Automation Labor: Atlanta rideshare drivers’ union blames Waymo robotaxi expansion for lower pay and fewer fares, urging an impact fee and limits around Hartsfield-Jackson. Real Estate & Taxes: Dalton and Dalton Public Schools have proposed property tax rates above rollback levels, setting up public hearings and household cost questions. Industry & Trade: New data points show Georgia’s grain elevator volumes dipped slightly in Q2 while cold storage rose sharply; meat production fell, but cattle and poultry exports increased.

Food Safety: Georgia and South Carolina shoppers are being told to check freezers after an E. coli outbreak tied to a Chilean frozen-berry supplier reached 17 confirmed illnesses; recalls include Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend and Publix’s GreenWise Organic whole and mixed berries. Public Health: DPH confirmed three more measles cases linked to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak, bringing Georgia’s total to 14 in 2026. Local Governance & Policing: Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch says law enforcement and Flock Safety “failed” after an audit triggered three investigator firings and multiple deputy resignations; new rules require vehicle searches to tie to specific cases. Business & Growth: Georgia posted another record year for economic development, with $35.2B in project investments and 15,370 estimated jobs tied to expansions. Real Estate/Development: Site work is set to begin Sept. 7 on Forsyth County’s “The Gathering at South Forsyth” entertainment district, aiming to build a 700,000-square-foot arena to attract an NHL team. Energy Costs: Diesel hit a new U.S. all-time high, with Georgia’s average reported around $5.64.

Labor Day Travel & Costs: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport expects about 2.3 million passengers for the Labor Day period, up 1% from last year, with Friday projected as the busiest day at roughly 335,000 travelers, as drivers face higher gas prices. Student Debt Pressure: A new Georgia-focused push argues student loan delinquency is hitting families hard, with the state flagged among the worst for delinquency and potential wage garnishment. Public Safety vs. Privacy: A national debate over Flock license-plate cameras is intensifying, with states and cities cutting ties or turning off devices over misuse and surveillance concerns—raising fresh questions for Georgia. AI Workforce Measurement: Atlanta-based Vera says it’s rolling out an evidence-based method to measure AI ROI through workforce adoption and capability, not just financial metrics. Industrial Safety Tech: Trio Mobil earned Frost & Sullivan recognition for AI-based industrial safety aimed at continuous exposure monitoring. Food & Consumer Alerts: Clorox recalled 6.3 million Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to bacteria risk; Skip Hop recalled Elmo silicone teethers sold at Carter’s because black eyes can detach if frozen, creating a choking hazard. Georgia Business & Legal: A federal judge in Macon sanctioned major law firms $2 million for misconduct in a Georgia civil fraud case.

College Sports Legal Fight: The SEC sued LSU in federal court as former pros and fifth-year athletes pleaded in state court to regain eligibility ahead of the Tigers’ season opener. Economic Development & Real Estate: Carrollton agreed to buy 192 acres along KY 227 for annexation and future mixed-use planning, aiming to steer growth with city zoning control. Education & Workforce Pipeline: Statesboro STEAM opened its new 36,000-square-foot building after $9 million in tax-free bonds, expanding hands-on learning for the 2026-27 school year. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Horizon Organic recalled 53,000+ cases of chocolate milk for possible spoilage; Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs were recalled in multiple states for undeclared milk allergens. Energy & Cost of Living: Diesel prices stayed high in parts of Georgia, with Chattooga County reporting the week’s lowest diesel at $5.32 per gallon. Tech, Jobs & Privacy: Uber plans to cut about 3,300 jobs as robotaxi competition grows, while Florida moved to restrict automated license-plate reader deployments on state highways. Local Business Support: Apparo and Regions Bank finished a 10-week tech and cybersecurity cohort for nine nonprofits serving small businesses.

Labor Day & culture: Metro Atlanta’s long weekend is packed with business-adjacent buzz too—Alliance Theatre’s Pulitzer-winning Black-family drama “Purpose” runs through Sept. 20, plus a 50th anniversary concert featuring Raphael Saadiq and Ari Lennox. Public safety tech: Georgia leaders are lining up new guardrails for Flock and other license-plate readers after reports of improper use, with governor nominees and legislative leaders signaling action next session. Healthcare liability: Norcross-based PruittHealth faces a $23.6M nursing home death verdict; the company says it will pursue post-trial and appellate options. Real estate growth: A Washington developer filed a Development of Regional Impact for Fetzer Landing in Effingham County—about 1,350 homes and $590M in investment on a 906-acre site. Jobs & wages: Georgia’s unemployment rate fell across all regional commissions in July, according to the Department of Labor. Retail expansion: Walmart is investing $1.3B in a next-gen fulfillment center in Carnesville, expected to create 1,000 jobs. Crypto markets: Bitcoin is steady near $77,700 ahead of U.S. jobs data, with traders watching for Fed implications.

NFL Business: Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes says extensions for safety Brian Branch and TE Sam LaPorta remain a priority, even as both return from major injuries. Real Estate & Wealth: Georgian Bitcoin financier George Bachiashvili sold a Miami Beach mansion on Hibiscus Island for a record $51.5M, closing 11 days after a $55M listing. Local Infrastructure Disruption: Battlefield Parkway in Fort Oglethorpe reopened after hours-long gas leak; nearby restaurants were evacuated. Media & Marketing: Yango appoints Georgia Thomas as chief strategy and growth officer to sharpen client outcomes. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Georgia continues to grapple with Flock camera misuse claims, including a Hall County deputy fired after an audit. Animal Welfare Enforcement: Authorities allege severe neglect at Cane-9 Rescue & Sanctuary after raids found dozens of dogs in hazardous conditions. Food & Jobs: Flying Biscuit Café signs a McDonough franchise deal, while Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open in Newnan with a hiring push ahead of its October launch. Healthcare Leadership: Aveanna Healthcare names a new chief growth officer as hospice and home health expansion stays in focus. Maritime Safety: Coast Guard warns Georgians about illegal charter operations ahead of Labor Day.

MARTA Oversight: Federal DOT officials visited MARTA for a safety and security review after violent incidents, asking for documentation on crime prevention, fare enforcement, and safety budgets. Local Deal-Making: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens cut the asking price for the city jail to $68M, but only if Fulton County commits $200M toward a Southside hospital and agrees to other terms. Okefenokee Rename: Georgia DNR will rename Stephen C. Foster State Park to Okefenokee State Park, positioning it as a gateway to the Okefenokee refuge and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Data Center Backlash: A new report argues anti–data center politics is spreading fast as voters sour on tech and job fears, tying into Georgia’s broader Flock camera and tech resistance. AI in Sales: Salesloft says AI use is universal in U.S. revenue teams, but only 20.6% are “production-ready” with measurable results—highlighting a gap between adoption and business impact. Invasive Pest Threat: Georgia Agriculture confirmed the pasture mealybug in Decatur County, warning it can kill grass and hit livestock and farm economics. Retail/Jobs: Chick-fil-A is pursuing a Georgia-based franchise expansion via a tax incentive in Ashland, with construction targeted for 2027 and about 30 full-time jobs. Business Expansion: easyMarkets launched 24/7 Gold, Silver and Oil trading CFDs, citing demand and volatility from geopolitical tensions.

Grants & Workforce: Georgia Serves is awarding $5.41 million in AmeriCorps funding to 17 organizations statewide, supporting more than 600 members tackling education, economic opportunity, health, homelessness, disability support and financial literacy. Manufacturing & Supply Chains: A Reuters report says U.S. manufacturing activity cooled in August as new orders slowed and input prices stayed high, though AI buildouts and inventory replenishment are expected to help. Health Care Costs: Sen. Jon Ossoff released a report alleging insurers are denying or delaying medically necessary care in Georgia through prior authorization. Coastal Water & Data Centers: Effingham County’s OpenAI data center debate is back in focus as paperwork initially listed “no clue” on water capacity, later citing 30,000 gallons a day for ongoing operations. Local Business & Growth: WOWorks says it opened 23 new restaurants this year (including Georgia locations) and is on pace for nearly 40 more by year-end. Public Safety & Privacy: Three Hall County deputies resigned after an audit found alleged misuse of the Flock camera system for non-law-enforcement purposes. Retail & Real Estate: Roswell’s former Kohl’s building is being redeveloped into a church campus after a decade-long vacancy, a $28 million turnaround for the area.

Data Centers & Local Policy: Savannah approved a 155-day moratorium on large-scale data centers as it scrambles to build zoning and infrastructure rules after OpenAI’s nearby Effingham County plans. AI & Water Lawsuits: Georgia homeowners sued Meta over alleged damage tied to a Newton County data center, claiming construction activity tainted well water and disrupted rural life. Tech & Business Growth: Atlanta-based MessageGears highlighted multi-brand marketing platform upgrades, while Clari + Salesloft completed a merger to build a full-funnel revenue AI system. Retail & Consumer: Atlanta teen skincare brand Just for Teens is expanding into Dollar General stores, and metro Atlanta saw more than 20 new restaurant openings in August. Public Safety & Regulation: Georgia will begin testing vehicle noise levels starting Sept. 1, and new rules tighten payment safeguards for customers over 60. Economic Development & Jobs: U.S. Bank moves deeper into Sun Belt business banking, and Boehringer Ingelheim opened its U.S. animal health HQ in Johns Creek. Local Government Spending: Sandy Springs plans to reallocate $600,000 to fund phase two of the Lake Forrest sidewalk project.

Banking Expansion: U.S. Bank is pushing deeper into business banking in the Sun Belt, adding customer-facing roles in Florida and Georgia and aiming to connect bankers with wealth management and commercial real estate to grow relationships. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fulton County’s $56.5M offer to buy the Atlanta City Detention Center expired after the city and county missed a Monday deadline, extending a long-running dispute over the jail’s future. Public Health & Food Safety: The federal government is winding down two Cyclospora research projects mid-outbreak, while a TJ Maxx/Marshalls chocolate recall in 13 states (including Georgia) warns of undeclared milk allergens. Energy & Cost of Living: Effingham County schools cut its property tax millage to 16.45 mills, citing proceeds from an OpenAI-related land sale. Tech & Privacy: Georgia lawmakers and cities are again wrestling with Flock license plate camera oversight as a Halloween “De-Flock America” idea circulates online. Business Community: Douglas County launched a free Safe Business Initiative to standardize emergency response training for local companies. Agriculture: USDA is adjusting its Livestock Risk Protection incentives to encourage ranchers to retain heifers for breeding.

Georgia Growth Watch: Geostat says Georgia’s real GDP grew about 8% in July 2026 year over year, with manufacturing, information/communications, financial services, mining, and transport/logistics driving gains while construction cooled. Data Center & Power Deal: Georgia Power’s massive contract with OpenAI cleared state review with added safeguards, keeping the state in the race for AI infrastructure investment. Heirs’ Property Legal Help: Georgia State University launched a new free law clinic backed by $1.5 million to help families fix heirs’ property problems that block disaster aid and generational wealth. Pet Care Access: Harris County Humane Society ran a free vaccine and microchip clinic in Talbot County, delivering 83 vaccinations and 47 microchips where veterinary services are scarce. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Georgia regular gas averaging $3.77 for the week ending Aug. 22, with pockets of cheaper premium and regular prices across counties. Flock Safety Scrutiny: Lawmakers and privacy advocates are escalating pressure on Atlanta-based Flock Safety over how its camera data is stored and used.

Tour Championship: The PGA Tour’s season finale at East Lake in Atlanta is set with a $40M purse, including $10M for the winner and seven-figure payouts for the top eight. Public Health & Food Supply: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce is pushing some Atlanta shoppers toward farmers markets and local sourcing as cases in Georgia climb past 11,000 nationwide. State Infrastructure: Georgia DOT is moving forward on a $27M bridge project on Highway 144 in Richmond Hill after erosion threatens access to Fort McAllister State Park and nearby businesses. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports premium gas prices in Clayton County averaging $4.65, while Burke County’s lowest premium hits $4.31. Local Business: Lululemon permanently closed its Howell Mill Road store in West Midtown, directing customers to its Ponce de Leon location. Workforce & Automation: Atlanta rideshare drivers say Waymo robotaxis are cutting pay and fares, with calls for an impact fee and limits near Hartsfield-Jackson. Community & Safety: A metro Atlanta family launched a fundraiser after a dirt bike crash left a man in intensive care in a Columbus trauma center.

AI Data Center Backlash: Investors are being warned that local political pushback against AI data centers is growing fast, with some projects delayed or canceled after community protests—raising the risk that “permission” becomes the next bottleneck. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: Georgia is also in the spotlight over Flock Safety’s AI policing tools, which can identify vehicles and rank driver “associates,” fueling concerns that algorithms could unfairly flag people as suspicious. State Politics & Cost of Living: In Savannah, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson pitched affordability and education upgrades, while Democrats criticized his transparency on taxpayer-linked contracts. Local Growth Watch: Bryan County’s population jumped 16% since 2020, pressuring infrastructure and planning as it heads toward a projected 52,000 residents. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data shows Georgia’s premium and midgrade prices edged up in the week ending Aug. 22, with the lowest premium in Upson County at $4.36 and the lowest midgrade in Rabun County at $4.18. Medicaid Billing Shift: Norcross Medicaid claims in the “Surgery” category rose sharply in 2024, up 168.2% year over year, signaling changing local spending patterns.