Atlanta

blue

Axios Atlanta Partners

Axios Atlanta Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Atlanta Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Atlanta with Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

Axios Atlanta

Standard

Atlanta Members

Membership

Why do drivers in Atlanta back into parking spaces?

Backing into a parking space makes it easier to leave busy events and if something goes awry, Kristal says.

Culture

👋🏽 Kristal here.Back in October, I was parking my car near a coffee shop when my passenger, Axios publisher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nicholas Johnston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-johnston-127a4b17/" data-vars-content-id="684e224b-50ec-424a-9e10-93250b894d5e" data-vars-headline="Why do drivers in Atlanta back into parking spaces?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-johnston-127a4b17/" target="_blank">Nicholas Johnston</a>, asked a question that seemed to come out of the blue: &quot;Why does everyone back in here?&quot;Zoom in: At first, I didn&#x27;t know how to answer Nick, who lives in Washington, D.C., because I never thought about it. <ul><li>After backing into the space and putting my car in park, I noticed nearly every vehicle had been backed in by drivers.</li></ul>A few days ago I was scrolling on social media and came across a reel of someone hating on drivers who back into parking spaces and it reminded me of Nick&#x27;s question. The more I thought about it, the more I realized drivers in Atlanta do back into parking spaces quite a bit. <ul><li>When I was driving a two-door Honda Civic, I rarely backed into a parking space. I now drive a four-door Honda Accord and I almost always back into parking spaces. </li></ul>Yes, but: Backing in makes it easier to leave a busy function or depart if something pops off (this is what I told Nick when he asked). <ul><li>It also makes more sense if you have a larger car, or if you&#x27;re parking in places that have narrow spaces. </li></ul>(Don&#x27;t come at me complaining about how much time it takes; the more you do it, the more efficient you become at backing in! Plus, waiting another 30 seconds won&#x27;t kill you.)Flashback: When I was little, seeing a person back into a parking space added a certain kind of swagger to the driver. <ul><li>In my juvenile eyes, a person was cool if they could back into a parking space (AND parallel park, which I can do). </li></ul>But I want to hear from you, Atlanta. Do you back in or drive forward into parking spaces? Why (or why not)? <ul><li>Or do you scream at the top of your lungs when you&#x27;re behind a driver who insists on backing in? </li><li>Hit reply and tell us!</li></ul>

Crossover Day 2026: Data centers, income taxes and mugshots

From income tax cuts to AI safety, key Georgia bills are still alive.

News

Taxes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="5c28fd43-f5e4-476f-b849-e0ca345a9cfe" data-vars-headline="Crossover Day 2026: Data centers, income taxes and mugshots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" target="_self">data centers</a> and even psychedelics remain on Georgia lawmakers&#x27; agendas as the legislative session moves toward its final weeks.Why it matters: This past Friday marked Crossover Day — the deadline for bills to pass either chamber and stay alive before lawmakers adjourn April 2.

NBA cancels Hawks' Magic City Night after backlash

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned "Magic City Night" promotion days after the idea went viral and sparked backlash online.

Sports

The NBA late Monday canceled the Atlanta Hawks&#x27; planned &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Magic City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" data-vars-content-id="1fd2b3af-e5ac-42f3-b04a-3764ba2cb1b3" data-vars-headline="NBA cancels Hawks&#x27; Magic City Night after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" target="_self">Magic City</a> Night&quot; promotion after backlash, commissioner Adam Silver said.Driving the news: The league pulled the plug just days after the team announced the idea and it quickly went viral online.

Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs

The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab program runs for six days in May.

After decades of success as a Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tena Clark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tenaclark.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d2633d9-a092-453c-8f66-dbf51a93efb3" data-vars-headline="Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tenaclark.com/" target="_blank">Tena Clark</a> is turning her focus to the next generation.<ul><li>Clark is helping aspiring creatives break into the entertainment industry by hosting two residencies at a former go-to hub for artists and actors.</li></ul>Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunaway Gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dunawaygardensfoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="6d2633d9-a092-453c-8f66-dbf51a93efb3" data-vars-headline="Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dunawaygardensfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Dunaway Gardens</a>, Clark&#x27;s sprawling property in Coweta County, will host its first-ever Playwright Lab this spring.

Overgrown gulley with the coolest name ever to get second chance

The Valley of the Hawks wetlands project would link Bankhead residents to Proctor Creek Greenway.

Water

A floodplain called the Valley of the Hawks will become a community green space and restored wetland to help clean up west Atlanta&#x27;s troubled Proctor Creek.Why it matters: The roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="project" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65d633994d56be67f7a90675/t/67d3222be0e9b36a567a0a64/1741890105435/2025-03-12+TrailsATL_Report_Web.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9124b27f-ecab-4755-8d3d-2dd1b570440c" data-vars-headline="Overgrown gulley with the coolest name ever to get second chance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65d633994d56be67f7a90675/t/67d3222be0e9b36a567a0a64/1741890105435/2025-03-12+TrailsATL_Report_Web.pdf" target="_blank">project</a> will plug into a proposed trail system snaking through long-ignored floodplains and a planned megadevelopment.

Why sommeliers are sipping 4,000-year-old iceberg water in Atlanta

The Fine Water Summit brings the finest of fancy waters to Buckhead

Business

Have you ever tasted raindrops from Tasmania that never touched the Earth? Or water that&#x27;s been locked inside a Norwegian iceberg for millennia?Why it matters: You probably haven&#x27;t (I haven&#x27;t). But you also probably haven&#x27;t been to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fine Water Summit" data-vars-click-url="https://finewaters.com/fine-water-society/fine-water-summit/atlanta-georgia-2025" data-vars-content-id="309ab424-053b-48a6-96a2-2460b2f213be" data-vars-headline="Why sommeliers are sipping 4,000-year-old iceberg water in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://finewaters.com/fine-water-society/fine-water-summit/atlanta-georgia-2025" target="_blank">Fine Water Summit</a>, a globe-trotting annual gathering of water sommeliers who live, breathe and sip the most luxurious of las aguas.<ul><li>This year&#x27;s conference — and the crowd-pleaser <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taste contest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.finewaters.com/fine-water-society/taste-design-awards/atlanta-usa-2025" data-vars-content-id="309ab424-053b-48a6-96a2-2460b2f213be" data-vars-headline="Why sommeliers are sipping 4,000-year-old iceberg water in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.finewaters.com/fine-water-society/taste-design-awards/atlanta-usa-2025" target="_blank">taste contest</a> — runs April 25-27 in Buckhead. Expect roughly 1,000 bottles of rare, expensive and hard-to-find waters, plus plenty of thirst-quenching and storytelling.</li></ul>

Bill would shield Georgia manufacturers from "forever chemicals" lawsuits

Environmental advocates urge lawmakers to reject legislation

Environmental advocates are urging Georgia lawmakers to reject a bill that would shield companies from lawsuits over the use of &quot;forever chemicals&quot; in everyday products.Why it matters: Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are used to make stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, nonstick cookware, medical devices and more. True to their name, they build up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" data-vars-content-id="1fe65e2f-dfe5-40a6-860c-0a1b38481818" data-vars-headline="Bill would shield Georgia manufacturers from &quot;forever chemicals&quot; lawsuits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" target="_self">drinking</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" data-vars-content-id="1fe65e2f-dfe5-40a6-860c-0a1b38481818" data-vars-headline="Bill would shield Georgia manufacturers from &quot;forever chemicals&quot; lawsuits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" target="_self">water</a>, wells and waterways.

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper sues Atlanta for wastewater discharge

Wastewater from the R.M. Clayton treatment plant exceeds permitted levels of chemicals, the nonprofit says.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is taking Atlanta back to court over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pollution from the city&#x27;s largest wastewater plant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/03/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-clean-water-act-lawsuit-threat" data-vars-content-id="bff97ff1-09e7-48a4-8dd6-446af2b091d2" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee Riverkeeper sues Atlanta for wastewater discharge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/03/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-clean-water-act-lawsuit-threat" target="_self">pollution from the city&#x27;s largest wastewater plant</a> into our most famous waterway.Why it matters: The nonprofit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.southernenvironment.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024.09.05_RM-Clayton-Complaint.pdf" data-vars-content-id="bff97ff1-09e7-48a4-8dd6-446af2b091d2" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee Riverkeeper sues Atlanta for wastewater discharge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.southernenvironment.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024.09.05_RM-Clayton-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">federal lawsuit</a>, filed Friday, could force additional city investment in Atlanta&#x27;s aging wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper threatens Clean Water Act lawsuit

The city's R.M. Clayton, Utoy Creek and South River treatment plants have failed to address wastewater discharges, advocates say

The environmental advocacy group that helped force City Hall to fix its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neglected sewer pipes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" data-vars-content-id="61d45520-46be-428d-9590-d149213ffcb9" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee Riverkeeper threatens Clean Water Act lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" target="_self">neglected sewer pipes</a> decades ago is threatening to take Atlanta back to federal court.Why it matters: The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said city officials" data-vars-click-url="https://chattahoochee.org/press-releases/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-and-southern-environmental-law-center-threaten-to-sue-city-ofatlanta-for-clean-water-act-violations/" data-vars-content-id="61d45520-46be-428d-9590-d149213ffcb9" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee Riverkeeper threatens Clean Water Act lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chattahoochee.org/press-releases/chattahoochee-riverkeeper-and-southern-environmental-law-center-threaten-to-sue-city-ofatlanta-for-clean-water-act-violations/" target="_blank">said city officials</a> have 60 days to stop discharging poorly treated sewage from its wastewater plants into the waterway.

Midtown water main repairs complete, service restored in area

Crews replaced a nearly 100-year-old pipe as part of repairs to the water main at 11th and Peachtree streets.

Crews completed water main repairs at 11th and W. Peachtree streets in Midtown early Wednesday and restored service to surrounding businesses and residents. Why it matters: Our six-day nightmare of two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major water main breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/01/atlanta-water-outage-mayor-andre-dickens" data-vars-content-id="86bce934-05c7-4ab1-b710-ad34beeeb5c9" data-vars-headline="Midtown water main repairs complete, service restored in area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/01/atlanta-water-outage-mayor-andre-dickens" target="_self">major water main breaks</a>, which affected service for a large swath of Atlanta residents and businesses, is finally over.

Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin

Work crews have made progress, city says, but subsequent ruptures keep crews on the move

👋 So. How was your weekend?Atlanta remains under a 72-hour state of emergency, boil-water advisory and cloud of confusion after a daisy chain of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water main breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/01/atlanta-water-outage-mayor-andre-dickens" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/01/atlanta-water-outage-mayor-andre-dickens" target="_self">water main breaks</a> disrupted people&#x27;s businesses, concert plans and lives.Why it matters: The water outage hammered home the fact that, despite spending billions of dollars over the past 20 years to improve Atlanta&#x27;s drinking water and sewer systems, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/01/10/atlanta-flooding-stormwater-utility" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/01/10/atlanta-flooding-stormwater-utility" target="_self">city&#x27;s infrastructure</a> remains in poor shape.<ul><li>Also: When a pipe bursts and a flood of criticism follows, the city needs to communicate with residents early, clearly and often.</li></ul>The latest: Crews continue work to repair a water main break that occurred late Friday at 11th and West Peachtree Streets in Midtown.<ul><li>Another at Euclid and North Avenues near Candler Park <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has been repaired" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/ATLWatershed/status/1797360369322635578" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/ATLWatershed/status/1797360369322635578" target="_blank">has been repaired</a>, with water service to 35 impacted homes restored.</li><li>DWM said Sunday in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="press release" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWY0VcT5Eb3d6WzAmIP5y4UahkPlM-i2/view" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWY0VcT5Eb3d6WzAmIP5y4UahkPlM-i2/view" target="_blank">press release</a> that crews &quot;have made significant progress in localizing the repairs.&quot;</li><li>Residents reported improving water pressure and service in Summerhill and Grant Park.</li></ul>What to know: Atlanta residents in need of bottled water can visit fire stations 1, 2, 10, 11, 15 and 16.<ul><li>A detailed map of which areas that are still affected by the boil water advisory can be viewed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online" data-vars-click-url="https://coadwm.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=6f173ddd985a4789b40715a1fb748111" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coadwm.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=6f173ddd985a4789b40715a1fb748111" target="_blank">online</a>.</li></ul>Catch up quick: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water main break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/31/downtown-atlanta-water-main-break-service-interruption" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/31/downtown-atlanta-water-main-break-service-interruption" target="_self">water main break</a> that started it all happened Friday morning on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and James P. Brawley Drive in Vine City — where three major lines intersect, Watershed commissioner Al Wiggins Jr. previously said.<ul><li>Businesses and neighborhoods in Downtown and to the east and west were left without water, and many residents took to social media to express frustration at the lack of consistent communication from city officials about repairs and who needed to boil their water.</li></ul>By Sunday, things were back to normal at major venues. State Farm Arena hosted Megan Thee Stallion&#x27;s Sunday concert, which was rescheduled from Friday&#x27;s canceled show. <ul><li>Atlanta United also took on Charlotte at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which offered limited food and drink options due to the boil-water advisory.</li></ul>State of play: Emory University Hospital Midtown on Sunday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/news/health-news/moving-to-normal-operations-at-emory-university-hospital-midtown-after-major-water-outage/MODCDJOTQBCDLO5ACHDJAT6AVI/" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/news/health-news/moving-to-normal-operations-at-emory-university-hospital-midtown-after-major-water-outage/MODCDJOTQBCDLO5ACHDJAT6AVI/" target="_blank">announced</a> it was returning to normal operations after diverting ambulances and relocating some patients Saturday due to the water main break, the AJC reports.What&#x27;s next: Typically after a major news event or calamity, the mayoral administration briefs the Atlanta City Council at their next full meeting. The legislative body meets today at 1pm.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Watch the meeting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@atlcouncilAtlantaCityCouncil/streams" data-vars-content-id="e8f7ad44-d4b1-49b3-8dc1-f14590c22b1c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta water outage: Taps run dry and patience grows thin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@atlcouncilAtlantaCityCouncil/streams" target="_blank">Watch the meeting</a>.</li></ul>

Chattahoochee RiverLands gets funding $3 million funding boost

Cash will help build the regional trailhead of the 100-mile linear park proposed along the river

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bold vision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/04/01/local-efforts-connect-chattahoochee-river-metro-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="c6151684-8864-4048-bf4f-35ec5805953c" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee RiverLands gets funding $3 million funding boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/04/01/local-efforts-connect-chattahoochee-river-metro-atlanta" target="_self">bold vision</a> to create a 100-mile linear park along the Chattahoochee River is $3 million closer to becoming a reality.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trust for Public Land&#x27;s Chattahoochee RiverLands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chattahoocheeriverlands.com/" data-vars-content-id="c6151684-8864-4048-bf4f-35ec5805953c" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee RiverLands gets funding $3 million funding boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chattahoocheeriverlands.com/" target="_blank">Trust for Public Land&#x27;s Chattahoochee RiverLands</a> project aims to increase access and protect the metro Atlanta river from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buford Dam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/places/buford-dam-place.htm" data-vars-content-id="c6151684-8864-4048-bf4f-35ec5805953c" data-vars-headline="Chattahoochee RiverLands gets funding $3 million funding boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/places/buford-dam-place.htm" target="_blank">Buford Dam</a> to Newnan.

Atlanta stares down nearly $200 million in delinquent water bills

The longer a debt goes unpaid, a City Hall auditor said, the harder the amount is to collect

City Hall is sitting on nearly $200 million in delinquent water bills — after a decade of lax collections enforcement and COVID.Why it matters: Atlanta&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overworked water system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/01/10/atlanta-flooding-stormwater-utility" data-vars-content-id="21a2349e-f8f1-4b0b-9d15-300b3be68722" data-vars-headline="Atlanta stares down nearly $200 million in delinquent water bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/01/10/atlanta-flooding-stormwater-utility" target="_self">overworked water system</a> survives on a funding stream supported by customer bill payments.<ul><li>And the longer a debt goes unpaid, an auditor told City Council members this week, the harder the amount is to collect.</li></ul>

Atlanta urban flooding prompts closer look at stormwater

Recent storms overwhelm city drains and underscore infrastructure under stress

Tuesday&#x27;s severe thunderstorms overwhelmed Atlanta&#x27;s drains and muddied up yards, underscoring how stressed Atlanta&#x27;s infrastructure is to handle urban flooding.Why it matters: Atlanta&#x27;s no stranger to flooding. But thanks to climate change, city officials and researchers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/climate-science/georgia-climate-conference-2023/85-4efadaa2-cb59-4394-926a-f9c3aa3a7313" data-vars-content-id="8a9681cd-421a-4dc1-9e1c-68dbf4b634e5" data-vars-headline="Atlanta urban flooding prompts closer look at stormwater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/climate-science/georgia-climate-conference-2023/85-4efadaa2-cb59-4394-926a-f9c3aa3a7313" target="_blank">say</a>, Atlanta can expect heavier deluges pouring into drains and emptying into creeks.<ul><li>City officials are exploring new ways to manage the large volume of water, including whether a new dedicated fee could pay for the infrastructure to prevent flooding. </li></ul>