November Elections Give Voters a Say in Atlanta Revitalization Efforts
On Friday April 4, the last day of the legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, a very important piece of legislation (SR996) was passed that significantly impacts revitalization efforts within the City of Atlanta.
This legislation empowers Georgia voters to decide in November via referendum whether or not to give public school boards the choice to invest a portion of their future tax revenues in tax allocation districts (TADs). TADs provide a unique opportunity for partnership and collaboration, particularly when all three taxing jurisdictions – Atlanta Public Schools (APS), the County and the City – work together to attract private sector investment to areas in the City ignored by the marketplace.
In the event of a favorable result from the November referendum, there is an additional condition before school districts’ taxes can be used for TADs. The Georgia General Assembly must revisit and re-enact the Redevelopment Powers Law during the 2009 legislative session, before school taxes can be pledged for TADs. This requirement translates into another 4 to 6 months into 2009 before the APS increment is once again available to the City, assuming a successful referendum in November and the State’s continued authorization of the increment’s use under Georgia’s Redevelopment Powers Law.
In the meantime, the Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) and the City of Atlanta will continue to advance redevelopment efforts in each of Atlanta's ten TADs. ADA is currently working towards three TAD bond issuances this year to promote redevelopment activities within the Westside TAD, the Perry-Bolton TAD and the BeltLine TAD.
For More Information On TADs, Including Frequently Asked Questions and Maps of TAD Areas, visit here.
About ADA: ADA is the official economic development agency for the City of Atlanta. ADA is a research-based economic development organization, focused on residential, business and investment growth in the City. ADA’s core competency is finance and it partners regularly with more than 55 economic development partner organizations.
Through TAD financing, the former Atlantic Steel Mill (above) was redeveloped into Atlantic Station, a bustling live-work-play development.
The Art Foundry Condominiums in the Commons at Atlantic Station are a result of the TAD redevelopment.
The 17th Street corridor and bridge, part of the Atlantic Station TAD redevelopment, connects bustling Atlanta streets and communities. |
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Cultural Arts are Good Business for Atlanta and the Nation
The Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) has released its Creative Industries 2008 report – part of the national Americans for Arts initiative – that shows the arts have been a robust economic growth generator for Atlanta and the region.
Arts-centric businesses represent 4.3 percent of all businesses and 2.2 percent of all jobs in the United States. Every year, Americans for Arts – the nation’s leading non-profit organization for advancing the arts – releases a 50-city report that details the arts’ economic impact on a specific region.
Combining Dun & Bradstreet data and geo-economic analysis, the study tracks and maps the presence of arts-related entities in six creative industries: museums and collections; performing arts; visual arts and photography; film, radio, and TV; design and publishing; and arts schools and services.
In Atlanta, more than 2,430 arts-related businesses employ 23,198 people. Arts-centric businesses grew 18.94 percent from 2007. Employment growth by arts-centric businesses since 2007 was 22.08 percent.
“This study reveals the extraordinary presence of the creative industries throughout Atlanta,” said Camille Russell Love, OCA Director. “Cultural programs and the arts are fundamental components of the national and local economy, and one in which the Atlanta community has a stake.”
For More Information on the Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, visit www.ocaatlanta.com. The Creative Industries 2008: 50 City Report can be viewed here.
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Seniors, Veterans and Disabled Residents Eligible to Receive Tax Rebate
City of Atlanta departments and agencies are working together to ensure that eligible Atlanta seniors, veterans and disabled residents receive a tax rebate as part of the upcoming federal economic stimulus package.
Many seniors do not earn enough income to require filing a tax return. While they typically do not file income taxes, many have been seeking information as to how they would receive the tax rebate check due to them as part of the economic stimulus package Americans will receive this spring.
Several City entities have coordinated to provide access to the free tax services being provided at the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) VITA Center. Partners in this effort include the Mayor’s Office of Weed and Seed, Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) and Atlanta Police Department Police Athletic League (PAL).
To schedule pick-ups for senior residents, contact the AWDA VITA Center Site Coordinator Phinda Traore at 404.880.7234 or ptraore@atlantaga.gov.
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AWDA VITA Center Helps Residents Identify Additional Income Enhancing Benefits
Have you done your taxes yet? If your household earns less than $40,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation at an area VITA Center.
Be sure to ask about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the 2008 Economic Stimulus Payment. Since January 28, 2008, the VITA center located at the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) has prepared over 690 returns totally $703,755 dollars. To date, 267 people were eligible for EITC benefits totaling $382,734 dollars.
Contact the AWDA VITA Center Site Coordinator Phinda Traore at 404.880.7234 or ptraore@atlantaga.gov for more information. For information on Free Tax Prep centers and what documents to bring with you, visit here.
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“Tutankhamen: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” a new exhibit featuring more than 130 treasures from the tomb of the Pharaoh King Tut and additional ancient sites will begin its U.S. tour this fall in Atlanta. The premiere at the Atlanta Civic Center will be presented by the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University from November 15, 2008 – May 22, 2009. Click here to watch Mayor Shirley Franklin and museum officials announce this exciting new event.
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Rave Reviews!
- Mayor Shirley Franklin joined officials from the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University and the Atlanta Civic Center to announce the premiere of ““Tutankhamen: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs.” More than 130 treasures from the tomb of the Pharaoh King Tut and ancient sites will arrive at the Atlanta Civic Center this fall, officially launching the exhibition’s U.S. Tour. Exhibition dates are November 15, 2008 – May 22, 2009.
Artifacts from the tomb of King Tut will make their way to the Atlanta Civic Center beginning November 15, 2008. |
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Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
- The Grand Finale of the 2008 Tour de Georgia – being presented by AT&T – will be hosted by Atlanta on Sunday, April 27 at Centennial Olympic Park. Closing ceremony activities will include fundraising events for the AFLAC Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the official Tour beneficiary. For more information, visit www.tourdegeorgia.com.
Mayor Shirley Franklin is joined by (l-r) Sylvia Anderson, President AT&T Georgia; Bibby King, Program Director, Georgia Cancer Coalition; Lt Governor Casey Cagle; Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders; and Eugene Hayes, President Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation. |
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Job Announcements
With the City of Atlanta’s online application system, you are able to create an account and select a Username and Password and then log in to your account.
After your account has been established, you can create an application by clicking on the “Build Job Application” link. Once your application is completed, it will be stored in the system and can be used to apply for future job openings. To get started by viewing current open positions, click here.
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Weekly Features
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