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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Atlanta. Written by Emma Hurt, Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

Axios Atlanta Thought Bubble

Axios Atlanta

The city of Atlanta has taken another step to make housing opportunities more equitable across the board, but concerns have been raised about the enforceability of the new measure.

Driving the news: City Council members last week passed a non-binding resolution that calls on developers who receive financial incentives from agencies to accept qualified people participating in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.

The vouchers are reserved for families who make 50% less than the median income of the county or metro area where they live.

Sponsored by Council member Liliana Bakhtiari, the resolution also requests organizations like MARTA, Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Beltline Inc., and the Fulton County Development Authority to incorporate similar rules into its requirements for funding.

Why it matters: Atlanta, which has the highest level of income inequality in the country, has seen its affordable housing stock shrink over the last several years, and city officials and stakeholders are scrambling for solutions to stem the tide of residents getting priced out of their communities.

What they're saying: Bakhtiari told Axios that representatives from the Atlanta Housing Authority and Atlanta Legal Aid told city leaders earlier this year that developers have been buying up previously affordable properties, raising rents and stopped accepting vouchers from residents.

About 20,000 people who use vouchers are on the waiting list for housing that accepts them, Bakhtiari said.

"There was unanimous buy-in on this," she said of the resolution. "Certainly, it doesn't go far enough yet, but the fact of the matter is, this is a drastic change to what our reality was in the city just a month ago."

A spokesperson with Invest Atlanta told Axios that it will incorporate the actions spelled out in the resolution to its policies.

Of note: According to Atlanta Civic Circle, state law prevents local governments from enacting policies that go beyond what it allows. Georgia also doesn't ban discrimination against renters based on where they get their income, the media outlet notes.

Yes, and: Dan Immergluck, professor of urban studies at Georgia State University, says he's worried that the resolution doesn't have a way to protect residents from other forms of exclusions.

Even if developers do accept residents with vouchers, for example, they could also stipulate that applicants must have a certain credit score, no evictions in the last 10 years and have an income that’s three times the rent.

"They could just use other requirements or even make requirements stronger to effectively screen out voucher holders," he said, adding many residents with vouchers are low-income and have experienced eviction filings because they are so common in Georgia.

Immergluck also told Axios the policies should spell out what landlords can and can’t do when it comes to screening for residents, and outline what penalties could they face if they refuse to accept vouchers after accepting city subsidies.

He also said there should be a way to check to see if they are following the agency's rule on accepting vouchers.

Atlanta wants more landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers

It passed a non-binding resolution this week encouraging developers to do so.

Illustration of a dollar sign made out of house keys.

The city of Atlanta has taken another step to make housing opportunities more equitable across the board, but concerns have been raised about the enforceability of the new measure.Driving the news: City Council members last week passed a non-binding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resolution" data-vars-click-url="https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=None&amp;MeetingID=3670&amp;MediaPosition=12248.373&amp;ID=31098&amp;CssClass=" data-vars-content-id="3bdfd7a2-acf6-4769-8b4f-dcaa082cf9cf" data-vars-headline="Atlanta wants more landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=None&amp;MeetingID=3670&amp;MediaPosition=12248.373&amp;ID=31098&amp;CssClass=" target="_blank">resolution</a> that calls on developers who receive financial incentives from agencies to accept qualified people participating in the federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Choice Voucher Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8" data-vars-content-id="3bdfd7a2-acf6-4769-8b4f-dcaa082cf9cf" data-vars-headline="Atlanta wants more landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8" target="_blank">Housing Choice Voucher Program</a>, commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.

Business

Cobb County and two advocacy organizations entered into a consent agreement Monday that will allow more than 200 voters to return absentee ballots by next week after the county failed to mail their documents on time.  

Driving the news: The consent order, signed by Cobb Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill, allows the county more time to send ballots to affected voters after elections officials discovered last week that staff did not mail out absentee ballots to 1,036 people.

Since making the discovery, the county narrowed down the number of affected voters — those who did not receive replacement ballots as of Monday — down to 247.

The ballots will be shipped via UPS overnight delivery and voters will have until Nov. 14 — the same deadline for military and overseas voters — to return them, so long as they are postmarked by 7pm tonight. 

The county will also communicate with those voters via email to alert them of the status of their ballot.

These voters can also opt to cast ballots in person Tuesday at their regular polling precinct or with a federal write-in absentee ballot.

Catch up quick: The ACLU of Georgia and the Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit Sunday asking the court to extend the deadline for the affected voters. 

The ballots were marked as being sent on Oct. 13 and Oct. 22, but they never reached voter mailboxes. 

What they're saying: Cobb County Elections and Registration Director Janine Eveler said Monday during a press conference that the department "is sick" about the error. 

"We just want to make it right," she said.

Eveler said she’s lost about 38% of her staff since the 2020 elections, so she has a "very young staff in tenure, and they are learning."

Yes, and: Jonathan Topaz, staff attorney with the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, said in a statement that the organization will "fight to ensure that this agreement is fully enforced and that these voters have the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote in the November election."

Of note: Tori Silas, chair of the Cobb Board of Elections and Registration, said they are not looking at reprimanding the employee responsible for not mailing out the ballots at this time. 

"There will be some work on what happens next after we get through the election,” she said.

Context: Cobb County elections staff, like others around the state, have been burdened with large-scale voter challenges that have occurred since S.B. 202 went into effect. The law, among other things, specified people could challenge the registration status of an unlimited number of voters.

What we're watching: Eveler said she expects a high turnout Tuesday, and her office is fully staffed and will be able to handle the crowds at polling places. 

Some Cobb absentee voters have more time to return ballots

The voters got an extension after the county failed to mail their absentee ballots on time.

Illustration of a hand holding a pen with abstract ballot elements in the background.

Cobb County and two advocacy organizations entered into a consent agreement Monday that will allow more than 200 voters to return absentee ballots by next week after the county failed to mail their documents on time. Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consent order" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vC3-raL2ysFvE4ee0LkH5uwVRQlvijih/view?usp=sharing" data-vars-content-id="5c25e27d-bb9d-4ed7-8495-f3fd6546b88c" data-vars-headline="Some Cobb absentee voters have more time to return ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vC3-raL2ysFvE4ee0LkH5uwVRQlvijih/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">consent order</a>, signed by Cobb Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill, allows the county more time to send ballots to affected voters after elections officials discovered last week that staff did not mail out absentee ballots to 1,036 people.

News

Georgia State House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) will not seek another term to lead the chamber, sending shockwaves through the state's politics just days before the midterm elections.

Why it matters: Since taking control of the gavel in 2010, Ralston has been seen as a steady hand alongside three governors, as well as a backstop against some far-right bills and controversial policy. The loss of Ralston as speaker leaves many wondering about the implications for the state. 

He helped stop an attempted secession of Buckhead from the city of Atlanta, a state takeover of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and additional GOP-led changes to voting laws this past year.

During the legislative session earlier this year, Ralston helped champion and led the passage of a massive bipartisan legislative package overhauling the state’s mental health system. 

Driving the news: Ralston said in a statement he intends to serve out his term as a state representative (he is running unopposed), but would not seek re-election as speaker in January.

He called the role "an honor of a lifetime" and said due to a "health challenge," the House "needs a speaker who can devote the necessary time and energy to the office."

What they’re saying: Edward Lindsey, a former Republican state representative who served on Ralston’s leadership team, called him "a giant in Georgia politics for this century."

Lindsey listed a slew of policies that the state would not have passed without Ralston, ranging from a 2012 constitutional amendment to allow the state to create charter schools to a large investment in transportation in 2014.   

"He has guided the Georgia House and the state of Georgia with an even hand, and has kept us on track, pushing forward very difficult legislation across the board," Lindsey told Axios.

The other side: Stacey Abrams, who served as House minority leader alongside Ralston called him "fair" and "thoughtful." "When we disagreed, even vehemently, there was always respect in how we did work together," she told Axios. "I think it's going to be hard to fill his shoes." 

"We are in very closely divided state where it is so imperative that we have level-headed leadership that respects one another and that can work together," she added. 

Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), who helped Ralston pass the mental health package, said he honored pledges to talk about issues with Democrats. "We are in a terrible time of politics," she told Axios. Ralston, on the other hand, she said was "such an important, positive influence for the House. It's very sad." 

Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) said Ralston had an "open-door policy" and the two worked closely together across the aisle. "Every conversation was a two-way street," Smyre told Axios.

The view from the hall: "This is not good news," longtime Sierra Club lobbyist Neill Herring told Axios. Herring said Ralston had supported legislation protecting watersheds and praised his appointments to top committees. 

"He kept the lid on the state government ever since he became speaker," he said.

"There’s a huge amount of respect for the guy," said Herring, who predicts Ralston will continue to have influence as a lawmaker. "They don’t grow on trees, especially on the legislative branch of the tree world."

Between the lines: Ralston has also played a role in tempering dangerous legislation. 

"To be speaker you have to show sound judgment. Not only in advancing good policy but also stepping in the doorway and stopping bad policy," Lindsey said. "And I’ve appreciated that quality."

Yes, but: State Rep. Erick Allen (D-Smyrna) told Axios that while Ralston’s position on mental health was "very admirable," he also presided over the "most egregious abortion and voting bills that we’ve seen in decades."

"I think he was a very complex speaker," Allen told Axios. "He got a lot of credit for being the adult in the room, but in dealing with him, I think that he was just a Republican that knew how to play the game extremely well."

Catch up quick: Ralston, who had served in the House since 2003, was elected speaker after Glenn Richardson resigned over personal mental health issues and accusations that he had an affair with a lobbyist.

Ralston re-opened the House floor to journalists, focused on ethics reform, and did away with the "hawks" system that allowed select GOP representatives to swoop in and vote on any committee to push legislation.

Flashback: He has faced challenges to his speakership from the right and scrutiny in 2019 over leveraging his legislative schedule to delay court cases in his private law practice, which weakened his hold over the caucus. 

He responded in part by championing a change to the loophole in the law he was accused of exploiting.

What we’re watching: The decision about Ralston's replacement will happen fast. Per caucus rules, Republican members meet the Monday after the November election to choose their nominee—someone who is likely to be elected speaker by the full house in January. 

Many lawmakers reached for comment Friday declined to speculate about candidates on the record. 

Abrams told Axios that there are a "handful of folks that I think could do that job," but wouldn't endorse anyone: "Not the person I want to win!" 

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston to end tenure in powerful role

The news sent shockwaves through Georgia politics just days before the midterm elections.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston in the House Chamber in January 2018. Photo: David Goldman/AP

Georgia

Georgia State House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) will not seek another term to lead the chamber, sending shockwaves through the state&#x27;s politics just days before the midterm elections.Why it matters: Since taking control of the gavel in 2010, Ralston has been seen as a steady hand alongside three governors, as well as a backstop against some far-right bills and controversial policy. The loss of Ralston as speaker leaves many wondering about the implications for the state.

Politics

Business has been "up and down" for Stacey West since she opened Suga's Cheese Shoppe & Cafe, a restaurant known for its pimento cheeses, in December 2021 in downtown Powder Springs. 

But she has reason to believe good days are ahead. 

What's happening: The city of about 17,000 people has a plan to attract people to its central business district through new developments, and West hopes it will give her restaurant and other small businesses the boost they need to survive in the grouchy post-pandemic economy.  

"I love it because it's bringing new life to this area," West told Axios. "It puts us on the map as a place to go that's quaint."

Why it matters: As metro Atlanta's population experiences steady growth, suburban cities like Powder Springs are exploring ways to transform sleepy downtowns into destinations.

Cities like Woodstock and Alpharetta have already made changes, and others like Smyrna and Sandy Springs are embarking on their own plans.

Details: The plan, which Powder Springs has been working on since early 2021, involves the city purchasing property and entering into public-private partnerships with developers who would build mixed-use options like retail shops, offices and residential uses.

Ground broke earlier this year on a project to build 226 homes and apartments, set to open in late 2023 or early 2024, on property that once housed City Hall and other government buildings.

Powder Springs plans to rebuild a new City Hall that would open by mid-2024.

What they're saying: Marsellas Williams, the city's economic development director, told Axios that the city envisions having more density that could support new and existing downtown businesses.

"We're trying to create in Powder Springs not only a destination for tourists to come," he said, "but also for residents who live in the city who want to see more businesses thrive."

Get oriented: Powder Springs is about 20 miles west of Atlanta. It's mostly a residential city, with several small businesses housed in brick buildings along Marietta Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare. 

Perhaps the best-known business is The Book Worm, an independent bookstore that's been open since October 2005.

The city's main attraction is Springs Thurman Park, which includes green space and an amphitheater where it hosts most of its events.

The Silver Comet Trail runs just north of downtown. 

The city recently nabbed its first brewery, Skint Chestnut, which opened in the summer. 

The other side: Of course, people have raised concerns — mostly on social media — about the planned apartments. 

Some detractors commented on a city Facebook post that Powder Springs officials were destroying the small-town charm and that more traffic will burden city streets.

"I don't even recognize my hometown anymore, much less know anyone except family that lives there," one woman wrote.

Zoom out: Suburban communities across the country, which for a generation were built around mega shopping malls, now focus on reinventing downtowns and strip malls, commercial corridors, office parks and other "automobile-oriented" properties, said Ellen Dunham-Jones, professor and director of the Master of Science in Urban Design program at Georgia Tech. 

Dunham-Jones told Axios that when malls opened in these cities, they took business from downtown mom-and-pop stores and became community gathering spots. 

Now suburban cities want people to gather around new downtown mixed-use developments instead of the food court. 

"They're really trying to beef up their downtowns because they see that's really what provides that great sense of place," she said. "Malls aren't the new shiny thing anymore."

Yes, and: Mayor Al Thurman told Axios that when he was first elected to the City Council, consultants said the city needed more "people to live in the downtown in order for those local businesses to survive."

“We're trying to…create the atmosphere for live, work and play where people don't have to go to Hiram or the East-West Connector to go to a restaurant," he said. "We're trying to create that atmosphere where they can have it right here in Powder Springs."

Jake Hardy, co-owner of Rooted Trading Co., which sells local, handmade items, outdoor gear and rents bicycles, told Axios he's excited to see the changes. 

"We've had a couple of great staples that have been here for 20 years or so," Hardy said, "but as a whole, we definitely need people."

Powder Springs' downtown dreams

The city of about 17,000 people has a plan to attract people to its central business district through new developments.

A piece of playground climbing equipment shaped like a cube and a stage in a downtown square 

Suburbs

Business has been &quot;up and down&quot; for Stacey West since she opened<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Suga&#x27;s Cheese Shoppe &amp; Cafe," data-vars-click-url="https://www.sugascheeseshoppe.com/" data-vars-content-id="e9e2f41c-c3dd-43da-a0ad-439cf7d2c7db" data-vars-headline="Powder Springs&#x27; downtown dreams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sugascheeseshoppe.com/" target="_blank"> Suga&#x27;s Cheese Shoppe &amp; Cafe,</a> a restaurant known for its pimento cheeses, in December 2021 in downtown Powder Springs. <ul><li>But she has reason to believe good days are ahead. </li></ul>

Data: American Housing Survey; Chart: Axios Visuals

Atlanta might be America's best place to live, but that doesn't mean it's for everybody.

What's happening: The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 6.4% of households in the metro area were thinking about moving to another city within the next year — the 6th-highest percentage among major metros, per recently released data.

Of note: While the survey did not ask people for the reasons behind their possible moves, factors like the cost of housing and the increase in remote work opportunities could be to blame.

Yes, but: Metro Atlanta added 65,000 people last year, with every county in the region seeing population gains, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission. 

A healthy number of Atlantans are thinking about heading elsewhere

It might be America's best place to live, but that doesn't mean it's for everybody.

Atlanta might be America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best place to live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-atlanta-c429524f-37be-4f1c-9f1c-924736b2945f.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story1" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-atlanta-c429524f-37be-4f1c-9f1c-924736b2945f.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story1" target="_self">best place to live</a>, but that doesn&#x27;t mean it&#x27;s for everybody.What&#x27;s happening: The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 6.4% of households in the metro area were thinking about moving to another city within the next year — the 6th-highest percentage among major metros, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently released data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/29434547.23081/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2Vuc3VzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDIyL2FtZXJpY2FuLWhvdXNpbmctc3VydmV5LWRhdGEuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2hvdXN0b24mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/616585d8ec66e30426613ca3B4fbc149a" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/29434547.23081/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2Vuc3VzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDIyL2FtZXJpY2FuLWhvdXNpbmctc3VydmV5LWRhdGEuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2hvdXN0b24mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/616585d8ec66e30426613ca3B4fbc149a" target="_blank">recently released data</a>.

Kristal Dixon

Featured stories

Atlanta wants more landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers

Powder Springs' downtown dreams

Some Cobb absentee voters have more time to return ballots

A healthy number of Atlantans are thinking about heading elsewhere

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston to end tenure in powerful role