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

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The Atlanta region is in a housing affordability crunch and there are no signs that it will ease any time soon.

To address this trend, the Atlanta Regional Commission has released its Housing Forward 2035 strategy for the 11-county region.

Why it matters: The housing crisis doesn't care about city and county boundaries, so the region must come up with a collective framework that will help metro Atlanta remain an affordable place to live.

Driving the news: The strategy was unveiled last week at the Atlanta Regional Housing Forum, which brought together advocates, elected officials and nonprofit entities.

It was developed in partnership with advisory firm HR&A, and is based on public input, as well as workshops during the ARC's Regional Housing Summit earlier this year.

What they're saying: Anna Roach, executive director of the ARC, said the region is projected to only meet 25% of the housing demand for people who earn less than $55,000 a year by 2035. 

By then, 75% of people who fall below that income threshold "won't have housing to speak of."

"That is a sobering number," Roach told the audience at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. "Imagine how much more difficult it's going to be if we do nothing to change the course of where we're heading."

Zoom in: The ARC's strategy calls for building 367,000 homes by 2035, and preserving about 104,000 affordable units that could be lost due to redevelopment.

It also calls for 51% of those 367,000 new homes to be affordable for people at or below 80% of the area median income (or around $73,000 for a two-person household).

The region should also focus on creating new housing at price points that are accessible for people who make no more than $55,000 a year, and building new homes on at least 10% of the region's 1.7-million vacant or underused parcels by 2035.

The ARC will create a toolkit and certification program that could help local governments reduce obstacles to building and preserving housing units. 

It will also roll out a dashboard to track progress on affordability, preservation and housing production throughout the region.

State of play: The strategy comes on the heels of a study that found more than half of renters and nearly a quarter of homeowners spend 30% or more of their income on housing, according to the ARC.

What's next: The ARC's board has to adopt the strategy, which could happen at its Oct. 14 meeting. 

Metro Atlanta's housing crisis needs a regional fix, leaders say

The metro Atlanta region needs 367,000 new homes by 2035, according to a study.

Illustration of a repeating pattern of houses made out of hundred dollar bills. 

The Atlanta region is in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing affordability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/17/affordable-housing-atlanta-region" data-vars-content-id="0b821e85-5350-4e00-8c00-b606a6ae51c5" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta&#x27;s housing crisis needs a regional fix, leaders say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/17/affordable-housing-atlanta-region" target="_self">housing affordability</a> crunch and there are no signs that it will ease any time soon.<ul><li>To address this trend, the Atlanta Regional Commission has released its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Forward 2035" data-vars-click-url="https://atlantaregional.org/news/housing/arc-previews-housing-forward-2035-a-strategy-to-address-the-regions-housing-challenges/" data-vars-content-id="0b821e85-5350-4e00-8c00-b606a6ae51c5" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta&#x27;s housing crisis needs a regional fix, leaders say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlantaregional.org/news/housing/arc-previews-housing-forward-2035-a-strategy-to-address-the-regions-housing-challenges/" target="_blank">Housing Forward 2035</a> strategy for the 11-county region.</li></ul>Why it matters: The housing crisis doesn&#x27;t care about city and county boundaries, so the region must come up with a collective framework that will help metro Atlanta remain an affordable place to live.

News

Atlanta leaders could take up legislation as early as next week that would formalize standards on how automated license plate readers and other cameras are used throughout the city.

Why it matters: Law enforcement misuse of ALPRs and concerns about privacy have left many residents around the country — and across the political spectrum — questioning if the technology is being used as a government surveillance tool that potentially infringes on civil liberties.

The latest: Mayor Andre Dickens will introduce an ordinance next week to codify "existing privacy, oversight and accountability standards" that outline how ALPRs are used, his office said Tuesday in a news release.

The ordinance would create citywide guardrails based on protocols established by the Atlanta Police Department.

Zoom in: Dickens' legislation would spell out authorized or prohibited uses, who can access these systems, how data is collected and shared and require monthly internal audits for "high-risk law enforcement systems" and quarterly reporting on internal audits and findings.

The city said in the release that the new legislation would also ban discriminatory or "viewpoint-based use" of cameras and ALPRs.

What they're saying: "Public safety is not a blank check, and neither is privacy an excuse to deny law enforcement tools that can help save lives and solve crimes," Dickens said in a statement.

State of play: Dickens' legislation comes weeks after the mayor requested that Atlanta police audit 115,578 searches of Flock's ALPRs from this year.

In a Sept. 10 letter written by Atlanta police Chief Darin Schierbaum, 79 of those searches were flagged for investigation to determine if they violate any policies or training protocols.

The police department said that probe should be completed within the next two months.

In the meantime, Schierbaum said APD has revised its own standards around LPRs, including restricting access through retired reserve officer accounts.

What's next: Dickens plans to introduce the legislation at the City Council's Sept. 21 meeting. Once introduced, the legislation will go through the Council's committee process. 

Dickens' administration also said it will ask the council to schedule a work session and public hearing to collect input from residents, with the goal of approving the legislation within 60 days after it's introduced.

Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers

Mayor Andre Dickens will introduce legislation to govern how the cameras are used.

An automated license plate reader is installed on a pole with a bright blue sky in the background.

A Flock Safety automated license plate reader operates near a commercial parking lot in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Photo: Courtesy of Charles-McClintock Wilson/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Atlanta leaders could take up legislation as early as next week that would formalize standards on how automated license plate readers and other cameras are used throughout the city.Why it matters: Law enforcement misuse of ALPRs and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about privacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/01/flock-license-plate-readers-atlanta-privacy-concerns" data-vars-content-id="576ccc87-07e2-45a7-bf8b-1b8d90d98153" data-vars-headline="Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/01/flock-license-plate-readers-atlanta-privacy-concerns" target="_self">concerns about privacy</a> have left many residents around the country — and across the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political spectrum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/flock-cameras-senate-investigation-josh-hawley" data-vars-content-id="576ccc87-07e2-45a7-bf8b-1b8d90d98153" data-vars-headline="Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/flock-cameras-senate-investigation-josh-hawley" target="_self">political spectrum</a> — questioning if the technology is being used as a government surveillance tool that potentially infringes on civil liberties.

Politics

Public Safety

A proposal to create a historic district along Peachtree Circle in Atlanta's Ansley Park neighborhood suffered a major setback last week, when the City Council voted to shelve the proposal. 

Why it matters: Supporters said the historic district would protect the street's oldest and most eye-catching homes from demolition or changes that would permanently alter their early 20th-century architecture.  

The latest: The City Council on Monday voted 11-4 to file the legislation, meaning it will be on hold for an indefinite period of time.

What they're saying: Roger Smith, who purchased and relocated the iconic Randolph-Lucas-Jones House to 78 Peachtree Circle and is a proponent of the historic district, told Axios he was "very disappointed that it's gone this way."

"I think that it is imperative that we get some sort of overlay protection, particularly for Peachtree Circle," he said. "I just think that if we do not take action on some level now, it's going to be a drastic change."

How it works: The city of Atlanta has a Historic and Landmark Districts ordinance outlining how buildings and other structures in designated areas must be maintained.

The other side: Council member Alex Wan, who said he would not support the designation unless the advocates received support from two-thirds of neighbors, said the process has resulted in a "really painful and unfortunate dynamic that is happening in the neighborhood."

"I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm definitely disappointed in the rhetoric that is flying around there about me on this, and I've had to be very frostily dispassionate on this because of the intensity of the positions on both sides of this," he said.

Wan said of the 72 properties on the street, the latest count was that 39 were in support, 26 were opposed and seven did not respond to the petition.

The intrigue: Council member Michael Julian Bond, who voted against filing the ordinance, asked whether a compromise in which the district would include only properties in support of the designation could be reached.

"It'd be great to have everyone, but if you don't [and] if you can save and preserve what you can save and preserve, I think it would probably be worthy of that," he said.

Wan said that would mean creating a new ordinance, thus forcing the proposal to go through the zoning process again.

What we're watching: David Yoakley Mitchell, executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center, said he doesn't think the push to create a historic district for Peachtree Circle is over.

"I do not see this going away," he said. "I see it manifesting another way."

Historic and Landmark Districts ordinance

Atlanta halts Peachtree Circle historic district proposal

Supporters viewed the proposal as a way to protect the street's oldest and most eye-catching homes from demolition or significant changes.

Brick two-story house with a white portico, tall columns, dormer windows, and black shutters. Surrounded by leafy trees and a manicured lawn on a sunny day.

The Randolph-Lucas-Jones House on Peachtree Circle in Atlanta's Ansley Park neighborhood. Photo: Courtesy of David Mitchell/Atlanta Preservation Center

A proposal to create a historic district along Peachtree Circle in Atlanta&#x27;s Ansley Park neighborhood suffered a major setback last week, when the City Council voted to shelve the proposal. Why it matters: Supporters said the historic district would protect the street&#x27;s oldest and most eye-catching homes from demolition or changes that would permanently alter their early 20th-century architecture.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation is turning to artificial intelligence to help keep track of which streets, sidewalks and signs are in need of repair.

Why it matters: With the guidance and oversight of humans, Cyvl's technology aims to help ATL DOT identify and repair those dreadful potholes we dodge during our daily commutes.

The latest: Cyvl uses sensors to map streets and sidewalks to log their conditions, which are evaluated and "gives us an idea of the conditions of our roadways," said Atlanta DOT commissioner Solomon Caviness.

How it works: Cyvl's technology is attached to government vehicles and uses data from high-resolution imaging and lidar to scan roads.

Caviness told Axios it can also scan reflectivity on street signs and determine when they need to be replaced.

The platform uses AI and can read the condition of roads and walkways, including differentiating between different types of cracks and what might need to be fixed, Axios' Chris Metinko reports.

For example, the Boston-based company's technology can detect alligator cracks in asphalt, potholes or early signs of pothole formation.

What they're saying: "What this has done is given us a baseline to identify what needs to be improved, and based on that, we could be more efficient in how we spend our money, and establish where we start our improvements," Caviness said.

Zoom in: Cyvl's first scan in Atlanta was completed in 2024, and another was taken earlier this year.

The traditional way of mapping DOT's assets would take up to a year, but the Cyvl technology cuts that time down to about three months, Caviness told Axios.

Context: Before incorporating Cyvl into its workflow, DOT crews would go out into the field with cameras and equipment to scan roads, then evaluate them using standards set by the American Public Works Association.

Cyvl's technology allows for a more thorough scanning of the roads, Caviness said.

After the 2024 scan of Downtown, Atlanta DOT crews resurfaced corridors in need of repair, resulting in a 60% drop in potholes and a 70% drop in potential potholes.

"The AI technology told us where we may have potholes forming — where the traditional eyes and cameras might not have caught," Caviness  said.

What we're watching: Caviness told Axios the DOT is also using AI to help with traffic signal timing and adjusting them based on pedestrian movements versus traffic.

During the World Cup, the technology was used to adjust traffic signals to allow pedestrians more time to cross the street.

Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form

Cyvl's technology is attached to government vehicles and scans street conditions.

Two side-by-side images of a high-speed camera rig on an outdoor metal platform. Blue sky with clouds; foreground shows cables and machinery, with a tall skyscraper visible in the right image.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation is using Cyvl's AI technology to scan city streets and log their conditions. Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta DOT

The Atlanta Department of Transportation is turning to artificial intelligence to help keep track of which streets, sidewalks and signs are in need of repair.Why it matters: With the guidance and oversight of humans, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyvl&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" data-vars-content-id="a90860ba-c01e-4d36-9696-d35fd79c1561" data-vars-headline="Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" target="_blank">Cyvl&#x27;</a>s technology aims to help ATL DOT identify and repair those dreadful potholes we dodge during our daily commutes.

Transit

Welcome to the weekend, Atlanta! Looking for something to get into? We've got you covered.

🎟️ Piedmont Park will host Shaky Knees Festival this weekend. The event is sold out, but you may be able to snag tickets on the resale market. (Fri.-Sun.)

If you're a night owl, a few late night shows will be held at venues around the city. (Fri.-Sat.)

🎤 The Cash Money and No Limit Tour makes a stop at State Farm Arena. (Fri.)

🎸 Shaboozey, who is known for blending country music and hip-hop tunes, brings the Outlaws Never Die tour to Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. (Sat.)

🎻 Singer-songwriter Ledisi performs with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. (Sat.)

🏮 The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade returns to Adair Park and the West End, featuring marching bands, large illuminated puppets and lanterns. (Sat.)

🏀 Atlanta Dream play the Connecticut Sun (Thurs.) and host Chicago Sky (Sat.)

🎉 Cultural festivals showcasing traditions of three Asian countries are happening this weekend: 

🇮🇳 Atlanta India Festival at St. Mary's Orthodox Church. (Sat.)

🇯🇵 Japan Fest 2026 at Gas South Arena. (Sat.-Sun.)

🇰🇷 2026 Korean Festival at Gwinnett Place Mall. (Sat.-Sun.)

 🍷 Sippin' Safari gives you a chance to sip some wine while checking out the wildlife at Zoo Atlanta. (Sat.)

🏃Log your miles for the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance at the Teal Trot 5K. (Sat.)

🎈The Hot Air Balloon Festival floats over Lanier Islands Resort. (Fri-Sat.) 

🏈 The Dirty Birds are back! The Falcons play their first home game of the 2026 regular season against the Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Sun.)

Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons

There's plenty to do this weekend in Atlanta. Check out our list of events happening around town.

A large illuminated butterfly lantern with blue and purple wings, dotted with lights and a pink body, mounted on poles at night, as a parade crowd watches along a building.

The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 in Adair Park and the West End. Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline/The Sintoses Photography

Welcome to the weekend, Atlanta! Looking for something to get into? We&#x27;ve got you covered.🎟️ Piedmont Park will host Shaky Knees Festival this weekend. The event is sold out, but you may be able to snag tickets on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resale market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/seg165/shaky-knees-music-festival-tickets/event/28494" data-vars-content-id="ebd18fa5-c0ef-43eb-b12c-c79828d16879" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/seg165/shaky-knees-music-festival-tickets/event/28494" target="_blank">resale market</a>. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri.-Sun." data-vars-click-url="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="ebd18fa5-c0ef-43eb-b12c-c79828d16879" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" target="_blank">Fri.-Sun.</a>)

Kristal Dixon

Featured stories

Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons

Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers

Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form

Atlanta halts Peachtree Circle historic district proposal

Metro Atlanta's housing crisis needs a regional fix, leaders say