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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.

DeKalb wants feedback on proposal to close 27 schools

Public input meetings will be held in February and March to get parent, student and stakeholder feedback.

Another metro Atlanta district is weighing a plan that would close more than two dozen schools, redrawing boundaries for thousands of students.Why it matters: The DeKalb County School District is grappling with a decline in enrollment. Fewer students mean fewer state dollars to fund programs, which could lead to budgetary shortfalls and cuts.

Cobb and DeKalb schools warn students over planned ICE protests

Jan. 30 has been dubbed by activists as National Shutdown day — a protest to oppose ICE funding.

At least two metro Atlanta school districts are warning students they could face discipline if they participate in planned walkouts Friday to protest ICE. Why it matters: The warnings could test the limits of school discipline policies against students&#x27; First Amendment rights — which one advocate says don&#x27;t &quot;end at the schoolhouse gate.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;It really means that students have a constitutional right to participate in protest during the school day,&quot; said Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free Press" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freepress.net/" data-vars-content-id="84088612-fb09-426d-9b54-31452bcb9ade" data-vars-headline="Cobb and DeKalb schools warn students over planned ICE protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freepress.net/" target="_blank">Free Press</a> and board member of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia First Amendment Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://gfaf.org/" data-vars-content-id="84088612-fb09-426d-9b54-31452bcb9ade" data-vars-headline="Cobb and DeKalb schools warn students over planned ICE protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gfaf.org/" target="_blank">Georgia First Amendment Foundation</a>.</li></ul>

Atlanta BOE adopts plan to close several elementary schools

Several parents and community members spoke in opposition to the plan.

The Atlanta Board of Education will move ahead with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/03/aps-school-closure-consolidation-plan" data-vars-content-id="999556c4-fb3d-4e7f-9c67-16fe9e58a006" data-vars-headline="Atlanta BOE adopts plan to close several elementary schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/03/aps-school-closure-consolidation-plan" target="_self">controversial plan</a> to close several elementary schools and repurpose those buildings.Why it matters: Schools aren&#x27;t just buildings — they&#x27;re community hubs where families, neighbors, teachers and alumni build relationships over generations. The upcoming closures could dismantle those relationships — and the communities they serve, critics argue.

APS' school closure proposal met with resistance from community

The Atlanta Board of Education heard from several parents and community members who asked them to keep the schools open.

Parents and community volunteers are criticizing Atlanta Public Schools&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/03/aps-school-closure-consolidation-plan" data-vars-content-id="775059da-b4ca-4f99-b8c4-836fee365b20" data-vars-headline="APS&#x27; school closure proposal met with resistance from community" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/03/aps-school-closure-consolidation-plan" target="_self">proposal</a> to close several elementary school and consolidate their student populations into other facilities.Why it matters: Schools often serve as anchors in neighborhoods, and a closure could sever the relationships formed between students and their peers and parents and educators.

Judge tosses expulsion of student who warned friends about shooting threat

The Cobb County School District said it expelled the student because he intended to cause "chaos and panic" at school.

A Cobb County judge has overturned the expulsion of a student who shared a threatening message after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apalachee High School" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/04/georgia-school-shooting" data-vars-content-id="4e2e692b-0a21-4bf4-9807-a17ef140a8fc" data-vars-headline="Judge tosses expulsion of student who warned friends about shooting threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/04/georgia-school-shooting" target="_self">Apalachee High School</a> tragedy.Why it matters: The ruling found there was no evidence the student &quot;intentionally created&quot; a disruption to the learning environment, said the student&#x27;s attorney, Michael Tafelski, of the Southern Poverty Law Center.<ul><li>Judge Robert Leonard also ruled that the Cobb County Board of Education misinterpreted and improperly enforced its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policy on school disruption" data-vars-click-url="https://media.cobbk12.org/media/WWWCobb/medialib/f67e1628175.pdf" data-vars-content-id="4e2e692b-0a21-4bf4-9807-a17ef140a8fc" data-vars-headline="Judge tosses expulsion of student who warned friends about shooting threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://media.cobbk12.org/media/WWWCobb/medialib/f67e1628175.pdf" target="_blank">policy on school disruption</a>.</li></ul>

APS releases proposal to close several elementary schools

The school system has around 70,000 seats, but about 50,000 students. Fewer students means less state funding and higher costs.

Several elementary schools could close as part of a plan to consolidate buildings amid a drop in enrollment across Atlanta Public Schools. Why it matters: APS has 70,000 seats, but around 50,000 students.

Decatur parents fight to stop possible school closure

City Schools of Decatur says it's facing a decline in enrollment and is reviewing how its K-2 schools are being utilized.

City Schools of Decatur board members are weighing whether to close a K–2 school as part of a consolidation plan, and parents and stakeholders are calling on the district to halt the process.Why it matters: The school district, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like others" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/education-enrollment-cliff-schools" data-vars-content-id="c807a9e4-0c46-4ed9-ae4c-ac1ddaff1658" data-vars-headline="Decatur parents fight to stop possible school closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/education-enrollment-cliff-schools" target="_self">like others</a> across the state and country, is facing a decline in enrollment.

DeKalb's revolving door of superintendents continues

In the last 15 years, the DeKalb County School District has had nine superintendents.

The DeKalb County School District has had nine superintendents since 2010, and while that&#x27;s high, districts statewide are seeing faster turnover at the top.Why it matters: Instability among leadership can lead to low morale among staff and inconsistency in how the district approaches key issues like student academic performance and recruitment and retention of educators.

DeKalb superintendent to resign after federal indictment

Devon Horton's resignation will be effective on Nov. 15.

The DeKalb County Board of Education voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Devon Horton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/04/20/dekalb-school-board-hires-horton-as-superintendent" data-vars-content-id="fb67cda8-3727-4f9b-b212-191760f97d2c" data-vars-headline="DeKalb superintendent to resign after federal indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/04/20/dekalb-school-board-hires-horton-as-superintendent" target="_self">Devon Horton</a> a week after he was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="indicted" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ALhABveFhJ3Xvmw4wvjvYb9vRWx154sQ/view?usp=sharing" data-vars-content-id="fb67cda8-3727-4f9b-b212-191760f97d2c" data-vars-headline="DeKalb superintendent to resign after federal indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ALhABveFhJ3Xvmw4wvjvYb9vRWx154sQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">indicted</a> on federal charges of embezzlement and wire and tax fraud.Why it matters: Horton was the third superintendent to lead the DeKalb County School District since 2020 and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eighth to hold the post since 2010" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/ajcgetschooled/posts/10158206221871642" data-vars-content-id="fb67cda8-3727-4f9b-b212-191760f97d2c" data-vars-headline="DeKalb superintendent to resign after federal indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/ajcgetschooled/posts/10158206221871642" target="_blank">eighth to hold the post since 2010</a>.<ul><li>He came to DeKalb County after serving as superintendent for Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois from June 2020 to June 2023.</li></ul>

Education 📚

DeKalb wants feedback on proposal to close 27 schools

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

Cobb and DeKalb schools warn students over planned ICE protests

Atlanta BOE adopts plan to close several elementary schools

APS' school closure proposal met with resistance from community