Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 8, 2026
Jan. 8, 2026 Savannah Morning News
‘Empty warehouses still pay taxes’: Community weary of warehouse growth
Latrice Williams reports that future warehouse projects in Effingham County are drawing scrutiny from residents who say they are concerned about the area losing its rural characteristics. During a regularly scheduled county commission meeting Tuesday night in Springfield, the board voted 4-1 to approve site plans for three warehouses totaling nearly one million square feet for Phase 1 of Parkway Logistics.
Jan. 8, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Tackling Healthcare Deserts
Ben Young writes, as we honor our Georgian of the Year John Haupert, it’s worth looking at healthcare deserts in Georgia and how affordable treatment remains an obstacle in many zip codes throughout the state. Kudos to Grady Memorial Hospital for building its freestanding emergency department in Union City, filling a void that emerged on Atlanta’s southside following the closing of Atlanta Medical Center and Atlanta Medical Center South in 2022.
Jan. 8, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s $3.7B and larger than 3 malls? Georgia’s next potential data center.
Zachary Hansen reports, a $3.7 billion project in Spalding County called Wallace Jackson Data Center Campus was outlined Tuesday in a state infrastructure filing. The project is slated to include 10 data center buildings spanning nearly 5 million square feet, which is more floor space than three Lenox Square malls.
Jan. 8, 2026 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus leaders named among ‘most influential’ in Georgia. See the list
Jordyn Paul-Slater reports, Columbus is no stranger to making headlines for its community spirit and the remarkable achievements of its residents. This year, multiple Columbus residents have been named to Georgia Trend magazine’s 2026 “100 Most Influential Georgians” list, an annual curation of leaders in business, government, education and nonprofits who significantly impact the state in constructive ways.
Jan. 8, 2026 Marietta Daily Journal
Cobb residents get say on $1.15B sales tax plan
Megan Jackson reports that Cobb County is hosting nine community engagement meetings for residents to discuss a proposed 1% sales tax, which, if approved by voters, is expected to collect $1.15 billion. Voters will decide whether to approve the six-year tax, which would begin collections in 2028, on Nov. 3.
Jan. 8, 2026 Saporta Report
Disability advocate questions College Park’s public comment policy change
Adrianne Murchison reports that a change to College Park’s public comment policy is drawing criticism from the mayor and the leader of a disability justice organization, who say the move is unfair and restricts public participation. As of council’s Jan. 5 meeting, the city no longer accepts emailed public comments, a practice that began in 2020 during the pandemic.
Jan. 8, 2026 Augusta Chronicle
Sixth election challenger emerges for Augusta’s seat in Congress
Joe Hotchkiss reports, a fifth Democrat has officially entered the field to challenge the congressional seat of incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Allen. Chris Stephens of Augusta announced his candidacy for Georgia’s 12th Congressional District in a statement released Tuesday.
Jan. 8, 2026 WSB Radio
Trump seeks $6.26 million in attorney fees after Fulton County racketeering case dismissal
Staff reports that defense attorney Steve Sadow seeks to have Fulton County pay a whopping $6,261,613.08 to six law firms and two businesses which handled parts of the case defending President Donald Trump against charges he broke Georgia law trying to overturn his election loss. The filing comes after Fulton County DA Fani Willis was disqualified for “misconduct,” and the prosecutor who appointed himself to the case declined to move it forward.
Jan. 8, 2026 Rome News-Tribune
Ga Senate panel backs income tax exemption for first $100,000
Diane Wagner reports that a Georgia Senate committee is recommending legislation to exempt from state income tax the first $100,000 for married couples and $50,000 for single filers, starting in 2027. Currently, the exemptions are at $24,000 for those filing jointly and $12,000 for individuals.
Jan. 8, 2026 State Affairs
‘Real tax relief’: Lawmakers unveil plans to eliminate Georgia’s income tax
Beau Evans reports that on Wednesday, a group of the chamber’s highest-ranking lawmakers unveiled plans that have been in the works for months on how to eliminate the state income tax, which pays for more than 40% of the annual $37.7 billion budget. If passed in the General Assembly, the first step would be major: tax cuts for nearly two-thirds of the state’s taxpayer population with yearly savings between $2,500 and $5,100.
Jan. 8, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Legislative leaders float different visions for tax relief for the 2026 session
Alander Rocha reports that Georgia GOP Senate leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday that would entirely eliminate the personal state income tax by 2032, shortly before House Speaker Jon Burns said the House would focus on cutting property taxes. A special Senate committee voted 6-3, along party lines, to adopt its final legislative recommendations, which would waive income taxes for all Georgians on up to $50,000 a year for individuals and $100,000 for married couples starting in 2027.
Jan. 8, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia limits campaign donations — except when it doesn’t
David Wickert reports, it’s a big election year in Georgia, and candidates and political committees will spend tens of millions of dollars to influence the outcome. But the rules governing the raising and spending of campaign cash can be confusing.
