Georgia Trend Daily – Oct. 7, 2020
Oct. 7, 2020 Georgia.gov
September Net Tax Revenues Down 3.6 Percent
Staff reports that the State of Georgia’s September net tax collections totaled roughly $2.16 billion for a decrease of $81.3 million, or -3.6 percent, while net tax revenue collections for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 totaled nearly $6.2 billion and marked a year-over-year increase of $365 million, or 6.3 percent.
Oct. 7, 2020 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Atlanta United Foundation is creating soccer pitches across Georgia
Mary Ann DeMuth reports that the Atlanta United Foundation has launched a campaign with the Local Initiatives Support Corp., a national community development support organization, to help build 100 soccer pitches across the state prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The combined effort, termed GA 100, aims to provide grants of up to $75,000 to nonprofit and community-based agencies wishing to build or refurbish pitches in underserved Georgia neighborhoods.
Oct. 7, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Amazon facility spurs south Gwinnett growth
Amanda C. Coyne reports that a massive new Amazon facility opens soon, but its “halo effect” is already attracting developers to south Gwinnett. The high-tech distribution center, poised to open with 1,000 employees, sits near the Gwinnett-DeKalb county line in the Evermore Community Improvement District, a 7.5-mile stretch of land between Snellville and Stone Mountain where property owners pay an extra tax to fund infrastructure projects.
Oct. 7, 2020 Capitol Beat News
Georgia Power issues progress update on coal ash pond closures
Dae Williams reports that significant construction activity is completed or well underway at 19 of Georgia Power’s 29 coal ash ponds across the state slated for permanent closure, the Atlanta-based utility announced Tuesday. The other 10 ash ponds are being closed in place under a plan Georgia Power first unveiled in 2015.
Oct. 7, 2020 Rome News-Tribune
‘Clean 13’ recognized for efforts to promote environmentally sustainable practices, keep rivers clean
Staff reports that a vocal group of Georgia farmers who fought against proposals from agri-business lobbyists to push through legislation they felt would increase pollution and harm smaller farms is among the 2020 Clean 13 recipients awarded by the Georgia Water Coalition. The report highlights 13 individuals, businesses, industries, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
Oct. 7, 2020 Brunswick News
Study predicts significant tourism for spaceport launches
Gordon Jackson reports that a new study predicts a proposed spaceport in Camden County would create a tourism boom for people interested in watching rocket launches. The study by the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research at Georgia Southern University estimates a single launch could attract as many as 4,000 to 5,000 visitors to the area.
Oct. 7, 2020 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Piedmont Bank to acquire WestSide Bank
Grace Donnally reports that Piedmont Bancorp Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, will expand its services to the west side of North Atlanta through the purchase of WestSide Bank. The deal, announced Oct. 5, has been approved by the boards of directors at both institutions and remains subject to approvals by WestSide shareholders and customary regulatory processes.
Oct. 7, 2020 Facing South
Georgia Court May Let Governor, Not Voters, Pick A Local District Attorney
Billy Corriher reports that the Georgia Supreme Court is deciding whether to uphold a 2018 state law that would prevent an election for a local district attorney this year. The law allows Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to fill vacant seats if the incumbent retires before the election, and the appointee wouldn’t have to face voters until 2022.
Oct. 7, 2020 Georgia Recorder
Surge of new voters likely energized by Georgia’s new battleground status
Stanley Dunlap reports that a record 7.6 million Georgians are registered to vote in the Nov. 3 general election. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger released preliminary voter registration numbers that show about 600,000 more people have signed up to vote in Georgia since 2018.
Oct. 7, 2020 The Center Square
Transparency in government spending among ballot questions facing Georgia voters
Nyamekye Daniel reports that two amendments to the Georgia Constitution and a statewide referendum are on the ballot for voters to decide this fall. Voters will decide whether they can sue the government for violating the law, whether the state should use public funds as they are intended and whether to grant tax exemptions for certain homes.
Oct. 7, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia revenue numbers continue to suggest growing economy
James Salzer reports that Georgia officials released a report Tuesday showing a 3.6% drop in tax collections in September, but that doesn’t tell the story of the state’s efforts to recover from the COVID-19 shutdown this spring.
