A $5 billion plan to reduce Atlanta's stubborn income inequality hinges on extending a tax incentive program this year, Mayor Andre Dickens said at Wednesday's State of the City address.

Why it matters: Atlanta is a group project, Dickens told civic, business and political leaders at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and he needs their buy-in to launch the plan to revitalize underserved neighborhoods.

Zoom in: Under Dickens' Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, billions of dollars from Atlanta's tax allocation districts would be set aside for affordable housing, small business support and other projects to create "whole, healthy thriving neighborhoods."

How it works: TADs are defined areas where future revenue from increased property tax assessments spurred by development is directed towards improvement and infrastructure projects.

Yes, but: The city would need to extend each TAD past 2050, a move that requires the support of the Fulton County Commission, Atlanta Public Schools and the Atlanta City Council.

• In addition, Georgia lawmakers could revive a measure that would require cities like Atlanta to reduce their use of TADs.

The other side: Critics say extending the TADs could divert much-needed revenue from the school system and Fulton County, which may have to raise property taxes to pay for any budget shortfalls.

Stunning stat: Dickens and other city officials cite research that shows two children born into different parts of the city and separated by less than five miles can have extraordinarily different lifespans.

• A kid living in Buckhead could live two decades longer than a peer growing up in English Avenue, for example.

What's next: This week, a city oversight commission released a draft analysis (PDF) of TADs and recommendations. The Atlanta City Council is expected to vet the issue when its recess ends in late April.

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Atlanta's Downtown Rising initiative has helped move over 400 people off the street and into housing, marking a major milestone in its effort to reduce homelessness in the city.

Why it matters: The city's push to house its most vulnerable residents kicked into high gear last year as preparations began for the World Cup.

The latest: Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, the nonprofit that helps manage the city's strategy to address homelessness, told Axios Wednesday that they've found housing for 430 people who were previously living on the street in Downtown.

By the numbers: The broader Atlanta Rising campaign began last year and seeks to raise $235 million to build 500 new housing units.

• So far, 387 of those units have been constructed and another 112 are expected to open by next month, Vassell told Axios.
• $162 million has been raised so far to fund the construction.

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The cold weather has moved out of Atlanta (maybe forever?).

• Get out there and enjoy your weekend with these events:

🎤 Grammy Award-winning singer Dionne Warwick performs at Atlanta Symphony Hall. (Fri.)

🎸 Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular brings a laser and light show featuring legendary British band's music to Center Stage Theater. (Fri.)

👟 Log your steps at the 10th annual Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K. (Sat.)

🔬 Peek at your own cells under a microscope and marvel at other wonders at the Atlanta Science Festival's Exploration Expo at Piedmont Park. (Sat.)

🍺 Sip some brews (responsibly, of course) at the 15th annual Suwanee Beer Fest. (Sat.)

🍗 Sample some of the best chicken wings from eateries in the region at the 19th annual Wing & Rock Fest. (Sat.,Sun.)

🏀 The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 100-year tour to Gas South Arena in Duluth. (Sun.)

• It coincides with the release of the series finale for "The Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City," which airs March 25 on aspireTV.

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Women are increasingly joining the typically male-dominated sport despite fewer leagues and opportunities.

The big picture: The NFL is investing in women's flag football, and the Olympics is planning the sport's debut in 2028.

• Most women who want to play turn toward flag football, but tackle is gaining traction.

The latest: At the high school level, 17 states' athletic associations have sanctioned girls varsity flag championships, and Kansas and Missouri are among others with pilot programs in play.

• Independent collegiate leagues, including the NAIA and NJCAA, already have flag football.
• In February, an NCAA committee recommended that Divisions I, II and III add flag football as an emerging women's sport.

Reality check: Access to tackle football remains scarce for women, and many athletes who wind up in pro leagues come from sports such as basketball and track.

State of play: The WNFC, which includes the Atlanta Truth, is growing quickly, with league leaders securing an initial $1 million in seed funding in 2024.

• WNFC Founder and CEO Odessa Jenkins says she's working on raising $15 million to expand the league's presence.

Keep reading

🏥 The Fulton County Commission approved spending $300 million to support the construction of Grady Memorial Hospital's new South Fulton campus. (11 Alive)

• Yes, and: Grady CEO and president John Haupert is stepping down at the end of 2026 after leading the health care system for 15 years. (WSB-TV)

👷 Crews are building the final segment of the Atlanta Beltline's Westside Trail behind warehouses on the edge of West End. (Urbanize)

🤖 Georgia college professors are resorting to old-school relics like blue book exams to befuddle students who are using artificial intelligence. (AJC)

Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended the Hall County sheriff who was arrested for driving under the influence for 60 days. (11 Alive)