The Rise Of Atlanta

The metro Atlanta region emerged as a national economic bright spot in recent decades. Population growth has boomed in Atlanta’s sprawling suburbs, fueling concerns over equity. The current vanguard of groups in the city are attempting to build with density while preserving affordable housing. Local planners believe that the BeltLine, a 22-mile-long pedestrian path, will reconnect communities and provide a bridge to the city’s future. Financial and tech firms continue to flock toward metro Atlanta. This builds on the city’s strong logistics, entertainment and film, and health services industries. Demand for quality housing in the region has become fierce, particularly in the city center. “Atlanta is becoming a wider city,” said Nathaniel Smith, founder and chief equity officer at the Partnership for Southern Equity. “Now, whether we’ll be able to kind of balance that out and ensure that, you know, black folks don’t get pushed out ... I’m not sure.” In September 2022, the me