AGP Executive Report

Falcons Offensive Line Move: Atlanta acquired Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris in exchange for a sixth-round pick, adding depth after Kaleb McGary’s retirement and with right tackle needs looming. Local Retail Buzz: Trader Joe’s opened its first Johns Creek store, drawing long lines and signaling continued grocery expansion in metro Atlanta. World Cup Mobility in Georgia: Lime is adding 14,000 e-bikes and e-scooters across host cities including Atlanta, with match-day valet support and ride-time passes to handle visitor demand. Georgia Business & Trade Watch: Oxford Industries reported Q1 FY26 sales down 0.4% year over year as tariffs and consumer softness weighed on brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was. Georgia Economy Signals: The IMF forecast Georgia growth at 6.5% in 2026, while Georgia’s audit office urged steps to reduce refinancing risks as domestic debt share rises. Public Safety & Environment: Georgia Forestry Commission says South Georgia wildfires (Pineland Road and Highway 82) are 100% contained, while officials warn the season isn’t over. Food Safety: A frozen pizza recall tied to metal contamination risk expanded to 21 states, with FDA classification taking weeks after the initial recall notice.

Falcons Offensive Line Move: Atlanta traded for Kansas City offensive tackle Wanya Morris, adding depth after Kaleb McGary’s retirement and aiming to shore up right-side protection as the team weighs more under-center looks. IMF Outlook for Georgia: The IMF projects Georgia’s economy will grow 6.5% in 2026, with inflation expected to ease back toward target as reserves and buffers strengthen. World Cup Watch in Atlanta: Fulton County DA warns scammers are targeting World Cup visitors with fake tickets, charity pitches, and “stranded tourist” currency traps—urging people to pause and call police. Local Business Expansion: Juici Patties opened its first Georgia location in Atlanta, marking a new franchise milestone for the Jamaican chain. Metro Atlanta Service Upgrade: Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta relocated its office to Lilburn to improve response times across Gwinnett, DeKalb and Fulton. Community & Safety: Clearwave Fiber continued its Salute to Service program by hosting first-responder appreciation meals across its service footprint.

IRS Remote-Work Push: Georgia’s U.S. senators and Rep. Hank Johnson are urging the IRS Atlanta campus to temporarily close and let staff telework while officials address an alleged rat and cockroach infestation. Public Safety & Tech: DeKalb County police say a man stabbed an officer during an investigation on North Decatur Road; the GBI identified the suspect as Aghil Rezaei, 30. Consumer Watch: Go Raw expanded a pet food recall tied to possible thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency; the affected Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe lot was sold in Georgia and other states. Housing & Capital Markets: MC Companies and Bridge Founders Group completed a strategic merger forming The Founders Group, a multifamily investment and operating platform with about 7,900 units. Local Infrastructure: Macon-Bibb approved $350 million in bonds for a new arena, with payback capped and funded by facility revenue plus sales and hotel/motel taxes. Automotive Liability: A class action was filed over a Honda Odyssey recall, alleging side airbags can deploy after potholes/rough roads. World Cup Business Angle: FIFA is requiring stadium “debranding,” including major logo coverups, as host cities prep for the tournament kickoff.

Solar Manufacturing: Qcells has started manufacturing solar cells at its Cartersville, Georgia plant, scaling toward full production by Q3 2026 and positioning the site as the largest operating solar cell factory in the U.S., with module assembly already at full capacity. State Budget Watch: Georgia net tax revenue fell 12.6% in May to $2.35 billion, with the motor fuel tax suspension a key factor behind the decline. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports some of Georgia’s lowest regular gas prices in recent weeks, including $3.77 in Hart County and $3.74 in Mitchell County, as national prices stay volatile amid global oil and shipping concerns. Economic Development: Gov. Kemp announced Rideout Arsenal will invest $22 million in Thomas County and create more than 100 jobs, citing uncertainty from Virginia gun legislation as a driver for relocation. World Cup Economics: LendingTree analysis ranks Atlanta among the least expensive U.S. host cities for World Cup group-stage trips, while host-city costs vary widely across the tournament footprint. Consumer/Policy: Georgia’s school lunch prices are set to rise in some districts, including a Barrow County vote increasing lunch costs for the 2026-27 school year. Atlanta Public Safety: Police arrested suspects after a double shooting on Edgewood Avenue, with investigators describing an argument that escalated into gunfire.

Solar Manufacturing: Hanwha Qcells says it has completed its Solar Hub in Georgia, building an integrated U.S. production chain from ingots and wafers to cells and modules, with Inflation Reduction Act incentives expected to drive hundreds of millions in annual Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit as the plant ramps. Local Development: Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved a downtown site for a new $225 million judicial center at 120 W. Dougherty St., choosing a six-story concept and backing bond funding through an existing redevelopment agency. World Cup Business: Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, some Vine City businesses say World Cup opportunities aren’t reaching them as promised, while the city points to Showcase Atlanta and ticket distribution plans. City Policy: Warner Robins extended a moratorium on new liquor, vape, CBD and tobacco-focused businesses for 120 more days, citing youth proximity concerns. Transportation Growth: Southeast Georgia airports are expanding hangars and infrastructure to meet rising business aviation demand tied to regional manufacturing growth. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 illnesses across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall updates.

EV Manufacturing: Rivian has started delivering its first R2 midsize SUVs to customers, a key step toward scaling production at its planned Georgia plant east of Atlanta, with the company targeting 20,000–25,000 R2 deliveries by year-end. Retail Expansion: Trader Joe’s opens a new metro Atlanta store in Johns Creek this week (June 11), adding another option for north Fulton shoppers. Drone Delivery: Walmart and Wing are expanding drone delivery to seven more metro areas, including Atlanta’s region already served, aiming to reach 40 million-plus Americans by 2027. State Infrastructure: Georgia is moving to create a state road maintenance company, shifting work away from private contractors and aiming for more consistent service quality. Local Economy & Jobs: Clayton County Public Schools’ new Arena at Southlake is positioning the venue as both an events hub and a workforce training pipeline for students. Business Finance: Edward Jones advisor John Pfaff of Waycross was named among Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in Georgia. Public Safety/Transit: A 17-year-old student-athlete was identified as the MARTA train shooting victim in Midtown, with the suspect facing local and federal charges.

Fuel & Taxes: Georgia’s fuel tax collections fell sharply in May, down 12.6% year over year to $339.1 million overall, with the drop tied to a two-month fuel tax suspension; officials say the state will cover lost transportation revenue from surplus while lawmakers consider extending the suspension. Retail & Development: Costco’s new Stone Mountain store is slated to open in August 2026 as part of the “Mountain Marketplace” project, with major retail neighbors including Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, a bank and a community park. Local Governance: Roswell City Council will vote on right-of-way deals and accept a $15,000 grant to fund after-school and adaptive summer camp programs. Civic Tech: Sandy Springs is launching “Volunteer Sandy Springs” on June 13, a new online hub connecting residents and nonprofits across 40 local organizations. Consumer Protection (Georgia): Georgia’s competition and consumer agency is set to assume the ICPEN presidency July 1, with a focus on building trust in the digital age and protecting consumers in AI-driven markets. World Cup Business Angle: Atlanta-area tourism officials say hotel bookings haven’t matched early hype, even as World Cup-related food and retail promotions ramp up.

State Budget Watch: Georgia net tax revenue fell 12.6% in May to $2.35B, down $339.1M year over year, with the motor fuel tax suspension (effective March 20) and shifted income-tax deadlines weighing on the month. Local Governance/Data Centers: DeKalb County is set to consider extending its data center moratorium through Aug. 12, with proposed zoning changes that would cap data centers at 500,000 square feet. Public Safety & Courts: A Norcross man was convicted by a federal jury for stealing government funds and laundering more than $400,000 via fake IRS tax refunds using stolen identities. International Trade/Infrastructure: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye highlighted the economic push behind the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and broader trilateral cooperation amid regional challenges. Workforce & Industry: Gulfstream Aerospace welcomed 60+ high school graduates into its Bizav apprenticeship program across Georgia and South Carolina. Cybersecurity: Atlanta-based BeyondTrust was selected for Anthropic’s Project Glasswing to help secure critical software infrastructure. Business Growth: Kinetic said it surpassed 2 million fiber premises built across its service area, including Georgia, as it expands broadband investment. Environment/Economy: The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s UNESCO World Heritage bid advanced, with IUCN recommending it for committee consideration.

Insurance Fraud: A longtime Atlanta-area insurance agent, Charles Curtis Poteet IV of Duluth, was indicted and arrested in Texas after allegedly taking premiums for commercial policies while issuing fake certificates of insurance, with charges tied to 2017 and 2021-2023. Public Safety & Accountability: Atlanta News First’s “Uncovered” series highlights metro Atlanta cases including a mother hospitalized after a surgery went wrong, alleged autism-related child welfare failures, and DeKalb Schools’ former superintendent tied to alleged financial crimes. Energy & Cost of Living: Georgia Lottery tax data shows motor vehicle operators license taxes rose to $34.8M in 2024 (up from $28.4M in 2023), while multiple GasBuddy reports track low gas prices across counties. Local Economy & Growth: A Marietta community pushback is growing against a hyperscale AI data center approved by city council in June 2025, drawing criticism over its projected power demand and local impacts. Sports Business: The Braves completed a three-game sweep of the Pirates, and Georgia Tech landed 2027 WR Kaden Howard from Nebraska—signals of continued recruiting momentum.

State Audit Shock: A new Truth in Accounting report says 13 states failed basic financial audits of federally funded programs, with Georgia among the biggest problem spots where auditors couldn’t even issue an opinion on major spending categories. World Cup-Driven Local Growth: Norcross residents toured South Downtown Atlanta’s $140 million revitalization tied to FIFA World Cup preparations, with parts of the district already open and more construction underway. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy price checks show Georgia fuel remains volatile in 2026—Dade County regular hit $3.39 (week ending May 30), while diesel and premium prices varied widely across counties. Food Security Fundraiser: Georgia Mountain Food Bank’s inaugural Greens for Good Golf Tournament raised enough for about 383,500 meals, with plans to return in 2027. Tech Capital: Supabase, a Georgia-backed open-source database used in AI app building, raised a $500 million Series F at a $10 billion valuation, pushing it into “decacorn” territory.

Healthcare & Accountability: Georgia Medicaid fraud case heats up in Cobb County as AG Chris Carr announced criminal charges and a civil complaint against Marietta lab owner Maged Awad, alleging a genetic testing scheme that took more than $300,000 in Medicaid payments by billing for screenings that never had physician orders and, in some cases, never had DNA samples. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ownership and quality data show Roselane Health Center by Harborview in Marietta was owned by GA NC 14, LLC as of Q1 2026, with a 1-star overall rating and multiple fines/penalties during the quarter. Roads & Construction: GDOT says lane closures begin June 8 for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project, with nightly work and detours planned through late June. Workforce & Training: Dycom is building a 49-acre “fake town” in Monroe, Georgia to train new workers for data center trade jobs, aiming to open mid-2027. Community & Health: The Hawks and Kaiser Permanente held the second annual Men of Color Health Summit in Atlanta, focusing on whole-person wellness.

Retail Closures: Applebee’s confirmed its Calexico, Calif., location will shut permanently on June 16, part of broader chain strain tied to bankruptcy filings and rising fuel/food costs—an example of how restaurant economics are still squeezing operators. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Georgia’s fuel market staying volatile: diesel hit a low of $4.29 in Fulton County (week ending May 30), while regular gas lows ranged from $3.49 in Murray County to $3.69 in Turner County, underscoring uneven local pricing. Community Giving: Jackson EMC Foundation awarded $40,000 to Hall County programs, including summer learning and youth health initiatives, with additional grants across the region. Local Development: Hoschton’s Downtown Development Authority approved nearly $25,000 for upgrades to the “Back Porch” area behind Hoschton Coffee Company, including planters, irrigation, and lighting, with work slated for mid-June. AI Adoption (National): Microsoft data finds Vermont near the bottom for AI tool use, a reminder that adoption varies widely—relevant as Georgia pushes responsible AI in state services.

Public Safety & Transit: The U.S. DOT and Federal Transit Administration are probing MARTA after two stabbings in a week, demanding safety spending details and an action plan for crime and fare enforcement. Local Governance & Housing: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is pushing to extend neighborhood investment districts that let future property-tax growth be reinvested locally, while critics argue the money should go to schools. Infrastructure & Business Impact: GDOT has begun a second full weekend closure of I-285’s Westside rebuild corridor (MLK Jr. Dr. to Cascade Rd.), raising concerns for nearby restaurants and foot traffic. Data Centers & Water: Google will fund $1M in South Georgia wetland restoration near its Douglas County data center, as voters and lawmakers debate data-center water use. Privacy & Regulation: Georgia lawmakers are proposing guardrails on sharing license-plate camera data amid broader national scrutiny of automated surveillance. Elections: Early voting for Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs starts June 6 and runs through June 12. State Policy & Energy Costs: New analysis shows electricity prices rising fastest in places like D.C. and several states, with grid investment and demand pressures—including data centers—cited as drivers.

Politics: Jones Petroleum, run by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and family, filed a $100 million libel lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court against Republican rival Rick Jackson, alleging campaign ads falsely portray the company as profiting from illegal casino activity and could jeopardize franchise deals. Local Governance: DeKalb County schools advanced plans to renew its 1% education sales tax (E-SPLOST VII), seeking up to $946.8 million for capital projects and authority for up to $500 million in bonds, with a Nov. 3 ballot date. Business & Growth: Atlanta-based Global Payments’ CEO Cameron Bready will present at the Mizuho Technology Conference June 10, while Valor PayTech and LANDI Global announced a multi-year partnership to bring LANDI Android-based payment/POS devices into Valor’s U.S. platform ecosystem. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows Georgia regular prices averaging $3.87 for the week ending May 30, with notable county lows including $3.68 in Henry County and $3.79 in Johnson County. Education Funding: The Georgia Lottery reported nearly $54 million in lottery-funded support for Madison County students since 1994, including $38.6 million via HOPE Scholarship and $15.4 million for Pre-K.

Georgia Economy Snapshot: Georgia’s enterprise data for Q1 shows turnover up 10.7% year over year to 62 billion lari, output up 12.4% to 23.3 billion lari, and employment rising 3.5% to 743,700 workers, with average wages up 7.7%—a sign of steady growth across the business base. Banking & Payments: The National Bank of Georgia hosted a delegation from Armenia’s central bank to share experience from Georgia’s upgraded RTGS and ACH systems, completed in May. Trade Talks: Georgia’s economy ministry also took part in CAREC negotiations on a trade and investment facilitation partnership agreement, setting priorities for future talks. Workforce & Education: State Rep. Lydia Glaize was named Georgia’s delegate to the SREB’s 75th legislative work conference in Charlotte, focused on educator workforce development and career pathways for an AI-driven economy. Energy & Infrastructure: Georgia’s power demand is fueling debate over solar expansion, while a $200M energy storage investment is slated for Decatur County. Business Disruption: Northlake Mall tenants say they’re facing sudden eviction notices, while a USPS employee died at the metro Atlanta mail distribution center in Palmetto, underscoring ongoing operational strain.

Public Safety & Transit: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered a federal review of MARTA safety protocols and security spending after two stabbings, including a fatal attack near the airport ahead of the World Cup. Energy Costs: Georgia Power urged metro Atlanta residents to prep for hurricane season and cut summer bills with HVAC maintenance, smart thermostats, and simple usage habits as air conditioning ramps up. Real Estate & Housing Demand: Centerspace announced a portfolio optimization plan that will sell about $240M–$245M of apartments (roughly 20% of assets) to strengthen its balance sheet. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic said it has surpassed 2 million fiber premises built across its 18-state footprint, with fiber now driving more than half of customers and revenue. Payments Infrastructure: Georgia’s National Bank launched a modernized RTGS/ATS platform with Montran, moving toward ISO 20022 messaging and 24/7 real-time processing. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported pockets of lower prices across Georgia in the week ending May 30, with notable lows for regular, midgrade, and premium depending on county. World Cup Business Angle: A study projects Atlanta could sell about 1.34M beers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium across eight matches, generating about $8.7M in stadium beer sales.