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Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails

The state's voter-approved outdoor gear tax will send $33 million to parks, trails and conservation projects.

News

That backpack you bought last year helped raise $33 million that will soon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fund new parks, trails and conservation projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" target="_self">fund new parks, trails and conservation projects</a> across Georgia — including a new Atlanta nature preserve.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program" data-vars-click-url="https://gadnr.org/gosp" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gadnr.org/gosp" target="_blank">Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program</a>, which has raised more than $110 million since Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved the tax on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor recreation goods" data-vars-click-url="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" target="_blank">outdoor recreation goods</a>, has become one of the state&#x27;s tools for expanding access to parks and protecting natural areas.

Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown

CP Group's makeover of the 1.2 million square-foot complex dubbed The Center will open a month before the World Cup begins in Atlanta.

Development

The project that will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transform the space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/01/cnn-former-headquarters-atlanta-the-center-world-cup-mixed-use" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/01/cnn-former-headquarters-atlanta-the-center-world-cup-mixed-use" target="_self">transform the space</a> formerly known as the CNN Center will open in May.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CP Group" data-vars-click-url="https://cpgcre.com/" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cpgcre.com/" target="_blank">CP Group</a>&#x27;s makeover of the 1.2-million-square-foot complex dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecenteratlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecenteratlanta.com/" target="_blank">The Center</a> will open a month before the World Cup kicks off in Atlanta, and it could be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major activity hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" target="_self">major activity hub</a> during the city&#x27;s eight matches.

More people in Atlanta have bachelor's degrees, census data show

The share of metro Atlanta residents 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher rose from 39% to 42% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods.

Education

The share of metro Atlanta residents 25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree or higher rose from 39% to 42% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods. How it works: That&#x27;s based on the Census Bureau&#x27;s latest five-year American Community Survey estimates.

The Golden Girls Kitchen pop-up exhibition opens in Atlanta

The experience will be at Pullman Yards through May 10.

Things to Do

Fans of the iconic sitcom &quot;The Golden Girls&quot; can now immerse themselves in the television show&#x27;s famous scenes at a new pop-up exhibition at Pullman Yards.Why it matters: The show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, has a loyal fanbase, ranging from those who remember when the show was on TV to people who discovered the show through reruns and streaming services.

Atlanta opens third rapid housing project at Waterworks site

Waterworks Village includes 100 studio units on city-owned property off 17th Street.

The city of Atlanta cut the ribbon Wednesday on 100 units that will provide permanent housing to residents in need of shelter.Why it matters: Waterworks Village, set back from 17th Street between Northside Drive and Howell Mill Road west of Atlantic Station, is the third rapid housing development Atlanta has opened in nearly two years.

Atlanta's moving ahead with The Stitch project. Here's a look.

The groundbreaking for the first phase of the project is expected to take place in 2026.

Despite losing federal funding for The Stitch, Atlanta officials are pushing ahead with the ambitious project to cap part of the Downtown Connector with a 5.6-acre park.Why it matters: Once completely built, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Stitch" data-vars-click-url="https://thestitchatl.com/" data-vars-content-id="deda45c3-18c5-467f-aa1b-e4ac6a175b83" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s moving ahead with The Stitch project. Here&#x27;s a look." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thestitchatl.com/" target="_blank">The Stitch</a> will reconnect majority-Black neighborhoods severed in the 1940s and &#x27;50s by the interstate highway system and spur redevelopment on Downtown&#x27;s northern edge.

$350 million plan aims to fill longtime vacant Avondale Estates site

Plans call for apartments, cottages and townhomes connected to the Town Green and Stone Mountain Trail.

A major mixed-use project could transform two of Avondale Estates&#x27; largest undeveloped properties into places for hundreds of people to call home.Why it matters: A development team&#x27;s $350 million proposal calls for knitting together residential and commercial areas while adding new housing options in one of DeKalb County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most sought-after" data-vars-click-url="https://atlanta.urbanize.city/post/avondale-estates-top-20-opendoor-national-cities-ranking" data-vars-content-id="f607ae51-7275-4246-a894-49b3a2d893c5" data-vars-headline="$350 million plan aims to fill longtime vacant Avondale Estates site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlanta.urbanize.city/post/avondale-estates-top-20-opendoor-national-cities-ranking" target="_blank">most sought-after</a> small cities.

Metro Atlanta's apartment building boom helps South buck nationwide slowdown

Midtown, Downtown investment and Atlanta Beltline help city rank among top in new units

New multi-family developments in Midtown and Downtown and the Atlanta Beltline are helping Atlanta keep apace amid a nationwide slowdown in new apartments, according to a report.Why it matters: Across the country, more than half a million new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apartment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/apartment-rent-prices" data-vars-content-id="67e915d6-770e-4eb7-a79f-f2578e7acfc1" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta&#x27;s apartment building boom helps South buck nationwide slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/apartment-rent-prices" target="_self">apartment</a> units are expected to be completed this year — down roughly 21% from last year&#x27;s record.

Centennial Yards opens 304-unit luxury apartment complex

The $5 billion mega-project in the heart of the city will be a hot spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The second residential community at Atlanta&#x27;s highly anticipated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Centennial Yards redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/10/south-downtown-atlanta-redevelopment-projects" data-vars-content-id="b7e83e3a-b482-4a8c-9a1c-a9a87d8dedee" data-vars-headline="Centennial Yards opens 304-unit luxury apartment complex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/10/south-downtown-atlanta-redevelopment-projects" target="_self">Centennial Yards redevelopment</a> is open for new tenants.Why it matters: The $5 billion mega-project in the heart of the city will be a hot spot for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="b7e83e3a-b482-4a8c-9a1c-a9a87d8dedee" data-vars-headline="Centennial Yards opens 304-unit luxury apartment complex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>, and developers are betting on entertainment, hotels and apartments to attract people to the area.

Atlanta is still growing, but not as fast as we were 10 years ago

The region isn't growing as fast as it was in previous decades.

People are still moving to Atlanta, though the city&#x27;s growth rate is slower than it was a decade ago.Why it matters: More people in the region means <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increased demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/17/affordable-housing-atlanta-region" data-vars-content-id="2d66590a-b0fe-48e3-9cd0-c6e88bf1ebc9" data-vars-headline="Atlanta is still growing, but not as fast as we were 10 years ago" 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">increased demand</a> for housing and additional stress on existing infrastructure.

After outcry from businesses, crews working 24/7 to repave Cascade Road

Atlanta DOT Commissioner Solomon Caviness told Axios the resurfacing should wrap up by Aug. 25, weather permitting.

Atlanta Department of Transportation crews are working around the clock to expedite the Cascade Road Complete Street project that business owners say has stymied their operations. Why it matters: Cascade Road is a major thoroughfare on Atlanta&#x27;s west side, and entrepreneurs say the ongoing road closures required for the project make it difficult for them to maintain customers and their bottom lines.

Project would renovate Midtown fire station, add 282 apartment units above

Eighty-six of the units would be reserved at affordable rates.

Have you always dreamed of living above a fire station? How about in Midtown and at an affordable price?Why it matters: A proposed plan to build dozens of affordable housing units in Midtown would bring cheaper rental options to a part of Atlanta where very few are available.

Downtown's The Center to open in time for World Cup crowds

Plans to bring art, food, and offices to Downtown fuels The Gulch megadevelopment momentum.

The developer turning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNN&#x27;s former Downtown headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/05/24/cnn-depart-downtown-atlanta-hometown" data-vars-content-id="73d05110-49ed-414c-a51d-9b094726bb60" data-vars-headline="Downtown&#x27;s The Center to open in time for World Cup crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/05/24/cnn-depart-downtown-atlanta-hometown" target="_self">CNN&#x27;s former Downtown headquarters</a> into a mixed-use complex says they&#x27;re on track to welcome the public before the FIFA World Cup.Why it matters: CP Group&#x27;s makeover of the 1.2 million square-foot complex dubbed The Center could become a gateway to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major activity hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" data-vars-content-id="73d05110-49ed-414c-a51d-9b094726bb60" data-vars-headline="Downtown&#x27;s The Center to open in time for World Cup crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" target="_self">major activity hub</a> during the month of soccer matches and into the future.

Development 🏗️

Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown

Atlanta opens third rapid housing project at Waterworks site

Atlanta's moving ahead with The Stitch project. Here's a look.

$350 million plan aims to fill longtime vacant Avondale Estates site

Metro Atlanta's apartment building boom helps South buck nationwide slowdown